'62 Starter problem
I just put in a semi-correct newly rebuilt starter to replace the '63 Cadillac starter that was in the car (which was working). Upon attempting to start, I heard the starter spinning, but the engine did not turn. I took it out and switched solenoids, still the same thing. I then decided to bench test, and it appears to work correctly. I had put some paint on the drive gear, and can see that it is contacting the flywheel gear (the flywheel gear is fine). Is it possible that the drive gear is contacting the flywheel gear, and the shaft is spinning inside the drive gear? I've not messed with starters much. Any thoughts?
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Re: '62 Starter problem
Sounds like a bad starter drive, aka the Bendix. It's basically the flywheel engagement side of the starter which has a one-way clutch mechanism so it turns the flywheel, but then the flywheel doesn't turn the starter after the engine fires. They are replaceable.
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Re: '62 Starter problem
Jack- I have the starter apart now. Is there a way to check the Bendix? It freewheels one way and seems to be a positive lock the other. The metal cover that is over the clutch or ratchet is quite tight whereas on the old starter it is very loose, for that is worth. Thanks.Comment
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Re: '62 Starter problem
It's been too long since I messed with these things. From what you say, it sounds like it's working with hand pressure/force, but turning an engine is another story. I agree with Joe that they're cheap enough and its already apart, so I'd just replace it whether it fixes it or not. www.rockauto.com has the part Joe mentions for under $7.Comment
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Re: '62 Starter problem
Charlie,
All the above. If you are the kind of guy that needs to know if it was the problem, AFTER you replace it, just put one end in the vice and grab the other and give it a HARD twist.
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