1940 Starter

[mike42]

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

[19Fordy]

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

[mike42]

Ford ill give it a try in the morning.

Thx

[Andy]

Sounds like a bad battery connection

[petehoovie]

Make sure the starter motor mounting bolts a snugged up tight....

[TJ]

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Originally Posted by Andy

Sounds like a bad battery connection

Definitely the first thing to check.

[deuce_roadster]

ALL electrical trouble shooting begins at the battery.

[mike42]

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 !

[richard crow]

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

[19Fordy]

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

[37 Cab]

Sounds like the Bendix was hung up on the flywheel.

[fortyfords]

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.

[mike42]

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

[Terry,OH]

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

[flatford8]

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

[19Fordy]

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

[Seth Swoboda]

Originally Posted by mike42

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

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.

[mike42]

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

[mike42]

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

[mike42]

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 !!

[tubman]

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.

[mike42]

Tubman good point.

Thx

[Pete]

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.

[mike42]

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

[1931 flamingo]

Most likely: YUP.
Paul in CT

[Russ/40]

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Originally Posted by Pete

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.

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

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Russ/40

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

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

[mike42]

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

Appreciate the response.....Mike

[mike42]

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

[A bones]

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.

[mike42]

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

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

Thx

[mike42]

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