Stuck starter motor

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by Mad Mac

Thanks everyone, I will do what you suggest. Beaufort (post #4) says no oil should be on it and Bill (post #9) says put some grease on the ring gear. Is that a contradiction or are they referring to different things?

I give the helix on the Bendix drive a coat of light oil, such as ATF. I grease the flywheel ring gear, but don't lay it on too thick or it will sling onto the helix and gum it up. It that happens, then remove the starter and clean it off.

I don't drive my Model A when the temps drop below 40*, so a coat of light oil on the helix won't bother the engagement. It one was to use heavy oil, then you'd have to click the starter several times to make the drive move up the helix. Or, you can just use the hand crank.