Starter removal

[Unclepalmer]

My engine locked up after working on getting it started beginning with setting the timing a few times after cleaning, checking distributer plate, etc over a couple of days. I cranked it last night, didn't start. This morning, locked up, cant crank it, even manually with plugs out. So removed starter bolts to remove starter but it wont budge. How do i get it off? Hammer???? Crow bar??? Advice.

[Marshall V. Daut]

First thing to try is to put the transmission into 3rd gear, turn the ignition key OFF and put your back against the rear of the car. Begin rocking the vehicle foward and backward until you hear a "POP!". That's the starter gear disengaging from the flywheel. That's usually all it takes, although sometimes the gear is really jammed tightly against the ring gear.
If that doesn't free up the starter, I have an alternate untried suggestion. I'm not sure if this will work in a Model A engine, but I had a six-cylinder Mustang engine once with damaged flywheel teeth where the starter drive usually engaged. Every once in a while the drive gear would lock against the ring gear or completely miss the teeth. I found that if I put the transmission into reverse without the engine running and pushed the vehicle towards the back a bit, that would free up the jam. Would doing the same thing with the Model A's transmission turn the crankshaft backwards like that? My mind can't seem to envision that mechanical relationship. Will the engine turn backwards doing this or was I just lucky? By the way, you don't need much movement; just enough to disengage the drive gear from the flywheel teeth.
Marshall

[Marshall V. Daut]

If you try rocking the car, put one bolt back in to hold the starter in place. Otherwise, the starter may drop to the ground or fall onto the engine splash pan when it frees up.
Marshall

[Unclepalmer]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Thx!