Starter adjustments?

[AnthonyG]

Since engine refresh & re-install on 8BA my starter bendix gear intermittently dis-engages prematurely letting it run without engagement. Car starts OK but know it shouldn’t disengage & spin freely as described? I have the block-starter support screw installed . Is there more tweaking involved?

[drolston]

The ring gear is a shrink fit onto the flywheel. If the ring gear was not properly installed, or has moved, that might be a problem keeping the Bendix gear engaged. Otherwise, thoroughly clean and de-gum the shaft and gear on the Bendix.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by drolston

The ring gear is a shrink fit onto the flywheel. If the ring gear was not properly installed, or has moved, that might be a problem keeping the Bendix gear engaged. Otherwise, thoroughly clean and de-gum the shaft and gear on the Bendix.

Cleaning and polish the shaft should help. Do not use a grease for it will only serve to collect gunk on the shaft down the road.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by AnthonyG

Since engine refresh & re-install on 8BA my starter bendix gear intermittently dis-engages prematurely letting it run without engagement. Car starts OK but know it shouldn’t disengage & spin freely as described? I have the block-starter support screw installed . Is there more tweaking involved?

I'd think of replacing the bendix drive and spring.

[chap52]

An additional ground cable might help??? Just a thought... Chap

[rotorwrench]

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There is definitely no adjustment. The centrifugal design bendix was functional but does have a tendency to disengage when the engine tries to start. A person has to let the starter slow to a stop to get the bendix to re-engage for the next start attempt. The modern sprag clutch type bendix design will allow start attempts as soon as the engine quits turning but not as much for the centrifugal design.

A cold engine or an engine that is flooded will always be a bit problematic to start with the old centrifugal design starter bendix.

[AnthonyG]

Thx for the ideas & information! I do remember it doing it less frequently before engine refresh. Due to surgery took a lot longer to get back together than planned. Probably sat for 1 1/2 yrs. With Info rotowrench gave, I’ll keep using as it always re-engages & hope with use it gets back to where it was.