Starter question.

[sturgis 39]

There is a small spring on the gear part of the starter drive that is perpendicular to the shaft of the starter motor. What is the function of this spring? The spring is smaller than a ball point pen spring.

[columbiA]

The spring is there to prevent the bendix gear from walking forward into the ring gear when starter is not running.

[Tom Wesenberg]

It's important to keep the spring free and put a drop of oil on it. I've seen drives with the pin stuck tight from rust after setting for a long time.

[1931 flamingo]

Somebody have a picture??
Paul in CT

[sturgis 39]

Attached are some poor pictures.

[just plain bill]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by sturgis 39

There is a small spring on the gear part of the starter drive that is perpendicular to the shaft of the starter motor. What is the function of this spring? The spring is smaller than a ball point pen spring.

It acts more like a stabilizer to keep the gear from flopping around as the fit between the screw and gear is pretty loose. IMO

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by just plain bill

It acts more like a stabilizer to keep the gear from flopping around as the fit between the screw and gear is pretty loose. IMO

While it may act to keep the slack at bay, I'm sure the main purpose is to keep the pinion from walking ahead while the engine is running. If you look closely at the pin, you can see it drop a bit as the pin is pushed into the recess at the end of the helix. The counterweight, being on only one half of the pinion, both adds mass to help the pinion remain still while it's spun into position and also helps to keep the pinion from walking ahead when the engine is running.

[sturgis 39]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

While it may act to keep the slack at bay, I'm sure the main purpose is to keep the pinion from walking ahead while the engine is running. If you look closely at the pin, you can see it drop a bit as the pin is pushed into the recess at the end of the helix. The counterweight, being on only one half of the pinion, both adds mass to help the pinion remain still while it's spun into position and also helps to keep the pinion from walking ahead when the engine is running.

Thanks for the good picture. I snapped a couple of more pictures and I did not send them on my rotary dial phone.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Have you tried your pin for correct movement? It appears to be bent.

[sturgis 39]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Have you tried your pin for correct movement? It appears to be bent.

The pin is bent and there is a groove in the shaft where the pin rides. I found another old starter with a better drive. Thanks for the help.