Starter problem.........

[fastroadster]

I just replaced my starter bendix. Started the A up and it started and ran like champ...... Then I thought I would pull it out of garage and change the oil. As soon as I put in the clutch it started knocking like crazy, when I let off of clutch noise goes away. What did I do wrong. Please any ideas. Thanks in advance.

[29spcoupe]

Possible throw out bearing? Might be just a co-incidence.

[Patrick L.]

If that noise just started, did you put the starter bolts in the proper locations? They are different.

[Mitch//pa]

What Patrick said

[Charlie Stephens]

I agree with Patrick. Another question might be are the bolts the correct length? They may be hitting the flywheel when you put in the clutch and push the flywheel forward slightly.

Charlie Stephens

[Marshall V. Daut]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

The flywheel ring gear is moving forward and striking the re-inforcing ribs of the flywheel housing because the gear is slightly cocked. This problem has been discussed and diagnosed many times on this website, so you should be able find all the information you need to make the repair by doing a search using keywords such as "ring gear".
Fortunately, it's an easy fix. Take heart!
Marshall

[fastroadster]

Just checked all the bolts, seem they are all the same length. Will put shorter ones in and see if that works.

[Patrick L.]

Originally Posted by fastroadster

Just checked all the bolts, seem they are all the same length. Will put shorter ones in and see if that works.

I think you may have found your problem. So the proper shorter bolts will work or add a washer[s] and give it a try.

[Tom Wesenberg]

A-20904 is the number for all 3 starter bolts and is 3/8-16 x 1" long.
Look at the end of the 3 bolts to see if any has rub marks.

[mshmodela]

My Father taught me always to note where you take screw/bolts from and return them to very place.. A good practice.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by mshmodela

My Father taught me always to note where you take screw/bolts from and return them to very place.. A good practice.

I like to do the same thing, and sometimes even do it if all the bolts are the same, as with the starter 1" bolts. This is especially true if I'm removing lug nuts and one is hard to remove all the way off. It means some fool over tightened it and stretched the threads, so I want to be sure it goes back on the same stud.

Cereal boxes make good holders for bolts. I just jab a bunch of slits in the box and poke the bolts in. This is also how I paint them.

[katy]

Speaking of different length bolts, years ago my wife had a '61 Rambler, 6 cyl, OHV, rebuilt engine. After a couple of years the head gasket started leaking, internally. Pulled the head to replace the gasket, clean the pistons, rering and etc. That engine had 3 different length head bolts and they were mixed up, some weren't even touching the head when they were "tight".

[ian Simpson]

Try looking here...
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...4818&showall=1

[fastroadster]

Thanks guys.......It was the ring gear walking. Model A is running like a champ. Can't thank all of you enough.