Nuts and bolts

Ford1930

Ford1930

Member
My Model A didn't start but one could hear the starter run.
I removed the starter and saw that the starter spring screw Bendix Drive gear head end was broken and the washer missing. I replaced the entire starter drive. The starter is working perfect again.
I think the broken screw and the washer are inside the flywheel housing. Could that be a problem? Is it wise to remove them from the flywheel housing? If so what will be the best way to do so? All suggestions are welcome!:)
 
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How will I be able to get it down in the housing? Will the magnet not cling to the clutch or other metal parts?
 
The magnet deal is very risky. I tried it once by placing a round flat magnet on the flywheel and turning it. Guess what, the magnet stopped on the head of the drain hole cotter pin and I had to remove the engine to retrieve it. If it's just the starter bolt and a washer I'd leave it and I wouldn't worry about it.
 
Yes is can be a problem, had our 53 Ford pickup worked on in a Ford garage one time and they lost a starter bolt in the clutch pan, but didn't tell us. The bolt got caught up behind the flywheel and ruined the rear main and knocked everything out of alignment. Problem was we knew how, and when it happened but couldn't prove it, ended up having to replace the engine. I think I would try and get the stuff out of there, in my opinion.
 
I've read where guys have had success using a manet on a flex spring. Also some guys have had success using a glob of grease on the flywheel.
 
Put a good size goober of grease on the flywheel and
rotate the engine real sloow and watch for the parts
to come around
 
Everyone has outlined the pros & cons of the loose bolt and other parts. Besides the magnet on the flex shaft being used I have seen folks use a small circular magnet with a heavy string tied to it so if it does contact the cotter pin in the bell housing drain hole you can pull the magnet and hopefully the broken bolt back out.
 
I had a thin magnet with a hole in it. I attached it to some bailing wire and pushed it in and was able to retrieve the bolt and washer without to much trouble. It's also good when you drop a bolt or ..? .. when you're working on a late model car and you can't quite get to it. My 2 cents.
 
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