1953 Mercury with Mercomatic Starter Issues

[Eaglescout2457]

Good evening, I have been messing around with my 1953 Mercury since thanksgiving. I had taken the whole powertrain out and did an engine rebuild, and a light rebuild on my Mercomatic Transmission. I have gotten to the point where I want to start the car for the first time since purchasing it over 2 and a half years ago and I am having issues with the Starter and or the torque converter ring gear meshing. I go to start the car, and it grinds and clicks horribly. I see the fan and accessories move but it is not happy. I took the starter out and swapped to the original style Bendix and it is doing the same thing. The starter and original Bendix came in the car, and I was able to turn the car over before the rebuild with these parts. I did have the starter rebuilt while waiting for the engine rebuild process and the gentleman who did it does not recall what all he changed. It is the same starter plate, starter, transmission, Torque converter, and Bendix and I am still having issues. Any help or guidance would be appreciated.
bendix.jpg

Bendixes.jpg

Starter 1.jpg

Starter 2.jpg

Starter 3.jpg

Starter 4.jpg

torque convertor clearance.jpg

[Eaglescout2457]

If needed I have a video but am unsure how to attach it. I could send in an email or via phone. (Photo of my engine to try and lighten the mood) Mercengine2.jpg

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Eaglescout2457

(Photo of my engine to try and lighten the mood) Attachment 560767

[38 coupe]

The automatic transmission starter uses a different Bendix than the much more common standard transmission starters. My memory is the automatic transmission Bendix has fewer teeth than the standard transmission Bendix. Can you count the teeth on your units and let us know? Someone on here probably knows the count off the top of their head and can give you more guidance.


That is a great looking engine. You should have many enjoyable miles once everything is figured out.

[Merc Cruzer]

Both of these starters go to my 53' Merc, with an Merc-O-Matic, and they both have 9 teeth.

[cadillac512]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

The sounds you describe could be a starter solenoid not grounded well, or the engine not grounded well. Could also be a cable connection. I'd check those first and then suspect the starter since it worked before the repairs. Make absolutely sure the battery is up to snuff as well.

[pistonbroke]

Can You roll the engine over by hand? When you do,does the starter dissengage? It sounds like and looks like in your photos the starter doesn't disseengage from the ring gear. Tim

[Bob C]

The parts book shows the overall length of the drive for the automatic is 4 17/32 and the stick is 4 13/32. Stick drive has 10 teeth.

[rotorwrench]

The starter is pretty easy to check out on the bench. The brushes can be checked by removing the cover strap. It should rotate by hand. The starter drive is the modern type. It kicks out after starting but they can be cantankerous after they have a lot of wear on them. I'd try changing it first since that's about the easiest thing to do. If it has all the original related stuff as listed then the only other thing would be if there is something going on with the transmission internals including the front pump or the internals to the torque converter. It's harder to diagnose when sitting in front of a computer.

The original P/N of the starter drive is 1CM-11350-B for 1951 or Bendix A-3245. These are showing up out of stock from a lot of sources.

[Eaglescout2457]

Originally Posted by cadillac512

The sounds you describe could be a starter solenoid not grounded well, or the engine not grounded well. Could also be a cable connection. I'd check those first and then suspect the starter since it worked before the repairs. Make absolutely sure the battery is up to snuff as well.

I made sure all of my connections are up to snuff and the battery has been trickle charged. I have a redtop optima 6v. Thanks for tips!

[Eaglescout2457]

Screenshot 2024-12-17 173427.jpg

So, after further conversation with Merc Cruzer, I think that there is a chance that out of the three Bendix's that I have they are all excessively worn and or incorrect. I cleaned them up and they do not spring back as they should. When the starter is bolted in the car, the Bendix is already engaged with the ring gear halfway if not more. Anyone know of someone who rebuilds Bendix's. Because the guy who rebuilt my starter was lacking in that department. I have looked into purchasing another Bendix and after looking for a replacement they have stopped making them except for one place which is the same part number as the new one I received that doesn't work.

[Roger W Gerow]

I'm in need of the 9 tooth drive mechanism for the mercury with automatic transmission. Need recommendations on who to contact for this item. Thanks.

[dean333]

Joe from Vintage Voltage rebuilds all my starters and generators. He’s in Phoenix Az now. Email me for his contact info. [email protected]

[kurt v]

call south side obsolete, barn find 08, he may have what you need, 507 332 6789