The Ford Barn

1929ier · 08-19-2016, 12:30 PM

Starter turns but engine are not turning, what could be wrong with the Model A?

Art Newland · 08-19-2016, 12:36 PM

Bendix drive on the starter could have a problem, or the ring gear around the flywheel could be stripped.

C26Pinelake · 08-19-2016, 12:50 PM

The likely problem is the bendix. Pull the starter and check it. Not a big job. Wayne

1929ier · 08-19-2016, 03:33 PM

Thanks so much Art Newland, I sure did learn something today. I am sure as more I start working on the Model A, the more questions I will have.

Jim/GA · 08-19-2016, 04:39 PM

Art, do you have the Model A Mechanic's Handbook (the red book)? It has good instructions for remove/replace, and some drawings so that you can see what you have before you take it apart.

The Bendix is a big spiral. I once had my little starter Bendix gear spin back and jam on the spiral, so when I pressed the starter switch, the motor just spun and the engine did not turn. (Sounds like what you have.) I push-started the car, just to get back on the road -- we were on a tour. The next time I turned the engine off and then wanted to go, it started right up with the starter like normal. Engine vibration had loosened the little gear from where it was jammed. It has not happened again.

Good luck. Have fun with it!

Tom Wesenberg · 08-19-2016, 08:07 PM

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The spiral for the drive pinion is called a "helix", and if it has dirt, rust, or grease on it the pinion can't easily spin into engagement. When did the problem start, or when did the starter last work fine?

The bolt for the drive spring may have fallen out because someone didn't properly lock it in place with the tab on the lock washer.

Either way, I'd remove the starter and have a look.

Mike V. Florida · 08-19-2016, 10:24 PM

BILL WILLIAMSON · 08-19-2016, 10:28 PM

RAP on the starter with a BIG hammer, NOT joking!
Bill W.

1929ier · 08-19-2016, 10:56 PM

Purchased the car about a year ago, been working over seas and haven't have much time to work on it. I will try to search online to buy "the red book" and fool the instructions from you all. Keep fingers cross, maybe there isn't a problem with the Model A.

Thanks for all the tips.

Tom

1929ier · 08-19-2016, 11:38 PM

The problem started when the it first deliver to my front door, I believed starter was fine before the delivery. It has driven on to the trailer for the delivery and will not start once arrives to my place.

Maybe you are right the bolt for the drive spring may have fallen out because someone didn't properly lock it in place with the tab on the lock washer.

100IH · 08-20-2016, 02:43 PM

Dis- connect the battery under the floorboards and access cover. Remove the mat to find the access. Then remove the starter.

08-19-2016, 12:30 PM	#1
1929ier Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Orange County Posts: 11	1929 model A... Starter turns but engine are not turning, what could be wrong with the Model A?

08-19-2016, 12:36 PM	#2
Art Newland Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Lynden, WA Posts: 1,564	Re: 1929 model A... Bendix drive on the starter could have a problem, or the ring gear around the flywheel could be stripped.

08-19-2016, 12:50 PM	#3
C26Pinelake BANNED Join Date: May 2010 Location: Michigan / Ontario border, Sarnia, Ontario. 50 miles from Detroit and 150 from Toronto. Posts: 5,800	Re: 1929 model A... The likely problem is the bendix. Pull the starter and check it. Not a big job. Wayne

08-19-2016, 03:33 PM	#4
1929ier Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Orange County Posts: 11	Re: 1929 model A... Thanks so much Art Newland, I sure did learn something today. I am sure as more I start working on the Model A, the more questions I will have.

08-19-2016, 04:39 PM	#5
Jim/GA Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Young Harris, GA Posts: 1,818	Re: 1929 model A... Art, do you have the Model A Mechanic's Handbook (the red book)? It has good instructions for remove/replace, and some drawings so that you can see what you have before you take it apart. The Bendix is a big spiral. I once had my little starter Bendix gear spin back and jam on the spiral, so when I pressed the starter switch, the motor just spun and the engine did not turn. (Sounds like what you have.) I push-started the car, just to get back on the road -- we were on a tour. The next time I turned the engine off and then wanted to go, it started right up with the starter like normal. Engine vibration had loosened the little gear from where it was jammed. It has not happened again. Good luck. Have fun with it! __________________ Jim Cannon Former MAFCA Technical Director "Have a Model A day!"

08-19-2016, 08:07 PM	#6
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: 1929 model A... Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The spiral for the drive pinion is called a "helix", and if it has dirt, rust, or grease on it the pinion can't easily spin into engagement. When did the problem start, or when did the starter last work fine? The bolt for the drive spring may have fallen out because someone didn't properly lock it in place with the tab on the lock washer. Either way, I'd remove the starter and have a look.

08-19-2016, 10:24 PM	#7
Mike V. Florida Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South Florida Posts: 14,054	Re: 1929 model A... __________________ What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II

08-19-2016, 10:28 PM	#8
BILL WILLIAMSON Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: FRESNO, CA Posts: 12,560	Re: 1929 model A... RAP on the starter with a BIG hammer, NOT joking! Bill W. __________________ "THE ASSISTANT GURU OF STUFF"

08-19-2016, 10:56 PM	#9
1929ier Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Orange County Posts: 11	Re: 1929 model A... Purchased the car about a year ago, been working over seas and haven't have much time to work on it. I will try to search online to buy "the red book" and fool the instructions from you all. Keep fingers cross, maybe there isn't a problem with the Model A. Thanks for all the tips. Tom

08-19-2016, 11:38 PM	#10
1929ier Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Orange County Posts: 11	Re: 1929 model A... The problem started when the it first deliver to my front door, I believed starter was fine before the delivery. It has driven on to the trailer for the delivery and will not start once arrives to my place. Maybe you are right the bolt for the drive spring may have fallen out because someone didn't properly lock it in place with the tab on the lock washer.

08-20-2016, 02:43 PM	#11
100IH Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: SW Idaho Posts: 970	Re: 1929 model A... Dis- connect the battery under the floorboards and access cover. Remove the mat to find the access. Then remove the starter.