Model A Starter Question

[Shafm009]

I hope someone can help me. I have two questions. All of a sudden my 1929 Model A will not crank. Literally nothing when I press the foot pedal start nothing happens. Is it safe to assume that it is likely a starter issue. If so, should I replace it with a 12 volt starter given I have a 12 volt battery? How can I tell what voltage the starter is currently on my car? THANK YOU!!!
Mark

[Shafm009]

Oops I should have mentioned that my lights work so it is not a battery issue. Thank you!

[katy]

What happens if you turn the lights on and then push on the starter switch? Do the lights stay bright? Or do they dim a lot?

[rotorwrench]

It could also be a switch problem. The plastic actuator shaft insulator can break off. Starters generally start to drag as they get increasingly worn in bushings or brushes. It could have a dead spot in the armature's commutator as well. The 6-volts unit will work on 12-volts but it will usually turn about twice as fast. Some outfit likely makes 12-volt fields for them. The armature would likely be the same either way.

[Will N]

Could be that the bendix is hung up on the flywheel ring gear. That's what Katy was driving at asking if the headlights dim when you hit the starter. It would draw current, dimming the lights, but couldn't spin. Try leaving the car in gear and rolling it back and forth a little bit. That sometimes causes the bendix to let go.

[marko39]

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Step one- measure voltage at starter when trying to crank.

[Robert/Texas]

It could be as simple as the adjustment fitting between the starter rod and the starter rod has come loose. That has happened to me a couple of times.

[Herb Concord Ca]

To determine what voltage your starter is built for, remove the band. Look closely at the copper button inside the starter housing. If you see 2 buss bars soldered to it, its 6 Volt, if you see only one buss bar it 12 Volt.

[Shafm009]

Thank you all very much. This has been extremely helpful. I will check out each of these recommendations. Super thankful!!!

[Shafm009]

You are correct, the lights dim when I try and start it. I tried rocking it back and forth while in gear but no luck. Any other recommendations to make it work? Sounds like I don’t need to replace the starter which is a good thing I hope. Thanks again!!!

[Patrick L.]

While you were rocking it what did it feel like ?
You might try loosening the starter bolts to see if the bend is free or not.

[katy]

Originally Posted by Shafm009

the lights dim when I try and start it.

That can indicate a bad or discharged battery. How old is the battery? Have you checked and/or charged the battery?
May also indicate bad battery connections, either at the battery or at the other end of the battery cables.

[AL in NY]

Try removing both battery terminals and clean both the terminal on the battery and the clamps on the wire.

[1928Mik]

I've had that happen, one of the bolts on the bendix spring sheared off and left it engaged.

[ronn]

charge up the battery and a little tap tap on the starter with a block of wood......

[Shafm009]

All thank you very much for helping me. Between the pushing the truck while in gear and tapping the starter unlocked the Bendix. It is running like a charm again. Thank you all very much!!!!

[Bob Bidonde]

The Bendix Starter Drive is prone to failures, especially its bolts and spring. A major improvement is a modern starter drive that is made in the USA.