Wish me luck
 

I took my early 28 starter to get the brushes changed. The guy then proceeded to rip the end cap bearing out. He hands me back the starter and says no charge as he couldn't get a replacement bearing(bearing is not the same as later starters). The catalogs don't list one but there was a close one so I order it. No dice however.

I took it to a friendly machine shop. It is in an oil refinery town so Charlie is used to making parts if they aren't available. So he is going to make an oilite bearing to fit for $30. He is also going to make a go at straightening the bent shaft where the bendix goes. Note bent shafts were the reason Ford went to the later starter. I have my finger crossed. My pickup has been sitting there ready to start without a starter a couple weeks...

Re: Wish me luck
 

Fear not! It is always possible to crank it for a spin around the country side, no?

Re: Wish me luck
 

I've only replaced one brush end bushing on the starter. They almost never wear out, and if the engine fires right up like a good engine should, that bushing should last a lifetime. After all it only spins for a couple seconds times how many starts you do each year, so the starter doesn't normally get many hours on it.

Re: Wish me luck
 

Have you checked to see if a bearing supply house is in your town, or a near by one?
I've gotten many, many bearings at bearing supply houses over the years, usually at a fraction of the cost.
Just a suggestion

Re: Wish me luck
 

Most of the time I find the bearings cost less from our Model A parts houses, so I only buy from the local guy if I need one on the spot.

Re: Wish me luck
 

What are the ID, OD, and length of bearing needed? Find a bearing with correct ID, the others are easily adjusted to fit. McMaster-Carr has Oilite bearings and may have a bearing or stock for one; Oilite is also listed as SAE841

Not good to know the bearing is not available. Summer project has been a '28 CCPU; no starter problems yet