Ratchet style starter drive retract

[WABOOM]

Originally Posted by 51 MERC-CT

Just a thought, should using a 12 volt battery not spin it fasi enough, using another 12 volt battery, hook it up for 24 volts to make it spin faster.

I'd be hesitant to send 24 volts thru this starter. Would that really be a good idea?

[51 MERC-CT]

There are two or three (depends on manufacturer) spring loaded pins that engage with an annular groove. This is what keeps the gear forward until the engine starts and spins the starter gear fast enough to centrifugally force the pins out of the groove to allow the gear to move reward.

[51 MERC-CT]

Originally Posted by WABOOM

I'd be hesitant to send 24 volts thru this starter. Would that really be a good idea?

Recall that many years ago some stock car racers used to run 24 volts for easier starting using the original 6 volt motor. The ignition was from a separate source.

If you feel uncomfortable doing it, by all means don't .
Would be best to see if it will install as is.

[Bob C]

This video shows how to get them to retract with the wire wheel on a bench grinder.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTmxlDXL8hc

[19Fordy]

Bob C: Thank you very much for posting that video. Amazing how simple that really is.

Here's another interesting ratchet drive starter video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jn7d-KZsIxs

[WABOOM]

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Jumping it with 12 volts and prying it backed with a large screwdriver worked.

[RKS.PA]

Glad you got it fixed!! I certainly learned a lot along the way about these types of starters! Those were very interesting videos that were posted above.

[19Fordy]

Goody gum drop. It's nice to win one. Well done WABOOM. You should take photos of the install for benefit of others. JIM

[WABOOM]

Update: these starters CAN be installed with the drive unit extended in the starting position.
I disassembled the starter and cleaned up everything with electrical cleaner and resurfaced the commutator a bit. Reassembled it, painted the case and while handling it... I wound the drive unit up the helix...
this time I said "F' it I wanna know if it'll go in like this". It went in easy as pie. Started right up and I heard it release and unwind. I started it 4-5 more times just for kicks. I can definitely hear a difference with this style bendix. It's noisier, sounds more mechanical.

[Karl Wolf]

There is a way to do this by hand, using a very sharp pencil.
The trick is to put the tip of the pencil into the end of the spiral,
in three places- sharpen the pencil for each one. Break off the tip of pencil.
I haven't done this in years, would have to go get a drive from my parts to make this more clear.
Let me know if you're interested.
Karl

[19Fordy]

Karl, If possible, post your pencil procedure with photos. Tell us what happens to the pencils.

[WABOOM]

Very interested.