Starter Bendix, grease or no grease?

K

keeeef

Member
Hi

Fitted a new style bendix to my '31 starter a few weeks back but it has stuck a couple of times? Not sure whether I should grease the theads or not?

Also when it does stick whats the best way of freeing it off. First time I put it in 3rd and rocked the car back and forth and away it went but this morning it wouldn't free off.

Any advice much appreciated.

Keith
 
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How are the teeth on the flywheel? You might need a new ring gear. Grease sometimes will dry up and make the bendix stick. If you want to use anything find a dry graphite powder.
 
Bad teeth on the flywheel ring gear or more likely a bent armature shaft will cause the starter drive to hang up. I would never grease or oil any starter drive.
 
Interestedly Folo-thru or rubber cushioned Bendix are locking. The starter drives the flywheel and as the engine fires it's speed exceeds that of the starter, at that point the flywheel drives the Bendix. Once it is driven it kicks the gear down it's spiral. That is pretty forceful.

If the armature isn't bent and the flywheel is OK I change it out, and go to the original style Bendix.
Tearing up a flywheel or the stater and labor against the price of a Bendix doesn't make sense to me. My humble opinion.
A locking Bendix requires the engine to fire to disengage. If it is out boarded it should be locked in that position.
 
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I always use an original style Bendix and never have a problem. I put some grease on the pinion teeth and spring, and a light coat of thin oil on the helix (spiral).
 
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