1940 Starter
 

Took the '40 out for a run today and had a few stop to make. All was going well until I tried to start up after stopping at a store and there was nothing but a clicking sound. I have notice a couple times there was a whirling sound and then the starter kicked in. This time nothing except the clicking. After checking all the connections and I thought give it a shove and jumped in and put in second gear. I heard a clicking sound....turn on the key and it started right up. Would this be a bad Bendix or does it sound like a starter prob ? If just a Bendix...who would have the best one to buy to replace ?

Thx.....Mike

Re: 1940 Starter
 

First try by passing the starter solenoid and see if the starter is ok. Here's a view videos on how it's done.
https://www.google.com/search?q=how+...TF-8#kpvalbx=0

Re: 1940 Starter
 

Ford ill give it a try in the morning.

Thx

Re: 1940 Starter
 

Sounds like a bad battery connection

Re: 1940 Starter
 

Re: 1940 Starter
 

Definitely the first thing to check.

Re: 1940 Starter
 

ALL electrical trouble shooting begins at the battery.

Re: 1940 Starter
 

Cleaned the terminals and checked all connections. I jumper wired across the solenoid posts and starter kicked in right away. Battery is one year old RedTop Optima. Could the Bendix be not working properly ? I’ve never had a problem before and I’ve gone to the barn several times now an it cranks and starts right away ! Not a glitch !

Re: 1940 Starter
 

if the sol. is bad. replace it with one that has the button on the bottom that you can push in

Re: 1940 Starter
 

Drive it for a while so it reaches operating temperature. Then drive back into the barn , shut it off and see if it restarts.

Re: 1940 Starter
 

Sounds like the Bendix was hung up on the flywheel.

Re: 1940 Starter
 

Don't ever assume a battery is good just because its not very old. I've chased my tail over batteries that weren't very old and I assumed they had to be good. Your problem sure sounds like a bad connection or low voltage.

Re: 1940 Starter
 

I've started it a dozen times now and no probs !! For whatever reason I too think it hung up on flywheel and when I pushed it and put in 2nd gear it popped loose ! I did order a new Bendix from C & G and should have it Thursday. I'm going to replace it on my back-up starter and install. Is it better to leave it clean or light coating of 3 in 1 Oil ?

Thx.....Mike

Re: 1940 Starter
 

No oil. Could use a little dry graphite lock lube.

Re: 1940 Starter
 

A light coat of oil for storage can’t hurt. I think you fixed it when you cleaned the connections..... Mark

Re: 1940 Starter
 

If the Bendix is still working, no need to replace it. Just carry a spare starter.

Re: 1940 Starter
 

I agree with your assessment. It was just hung up. It happens to me on occasion. I usually just put the car in 3rd gear and rock it back and forth to dislodge the bendix. Works every time.

Re: 1940 Starter
 

Thx Guys....appreciate the advice. Bendix came yesterday and will put on my back up starter and leave things alone for now.

Thx again....Mike

Re: 1940 Starter
 

Thx Guys....appreciate the advice. Bendix came yesterday and will put on my back up starter and leave things alone for now.

Thx again....Mike

Re: 1940 Starter
 

Well....just opened the package and I don't have to worry about doing any oiling of the new Bendix. It already has a good coat of grease and oil on it already !!

Re: 1940 Starter
 

I'm no expert on this, but that heavy coating may have been primarily to prevent rust during storage. You may want to clean it up and lubricate it properly. I like the graphite solution; it doesn't hold dirt like a petroleum lube would.

Re: 1940 Starter
 

Tubman good point.

Thx

Re: 1940 Starter
 

After you have crawled under and replaced the starter several times and bought new bendix's, you could have put a $100 gear drive starter on and forgot it for the rest of the car life.

Re: 1940 Starter
 

So....I had another occurrence with starter hanging up again so I did put it in 3rd gear and gave it a shove and it released again. With that happening a second time....I decided to install the rebuilt starter with new Bendix. In doing so....I thought all connections were secure but in removing the cable from starter to solenoid....I notice that the nut that tightens down that starter post was loose. Could that loose connection be the problem with not allowing the Bendix to operate properly by not getting full juice to spin into the flywheel ?

Thx....Mike

Re: 1940 Starter
 

Most likely: YUP.
Paul in CT

Re: 1940 Starter
 

I'd like to know of a $100 solution. SOURCE? 6 volt pos grnd?

Re: 1940 Starter
 

12 volt only. Ebay when you can catch it or buy it new from Roto-Faze Ignitions.

Re: 1940 Starter
 

Thx....it seems to have more power to engage now !

Appreciate the response.....Mike

Re: 1940 Starter
 

So....I'm back again.....everything fine until the car is run for awhile and it heats up. Then the starter if very slow to engage. Time to put in the rebuilt starter or do you think it's something else ?

Thx....Mike

Re: 1940 Starter
 

Best way to know, is to get the new one in place. Then, if troubles are afoot the search shall be renewed. Good Luck.

Keep those pain remedies handy.

Re: 1940 Starter
 

A Bones.....my pain remedy is Jack Daniels !! Just sayin'.....

I'm going to try and install the rebuilt one this afternoon.

Thx

Re: 1940 Starter
 

Sooooo.....took out the old starter and installed the rebuilt one with new Bendix....I CANNOT believe the difference ! I just barely touch the button and it starts. For 7 years I've been so used to the old starter cranking slow and now this is amazing !!

Thx for all the info you guys sent me.

Case is closed.

Mike