Retrive Starter Bendix Bolts

[Cape Codder]

Tried to start A early this evening and only the starter would spin. Am suspecting that the bolts that hold the bendix in place have fallen out. Don't know for sure as I just returned it to the garage and shut it off until tomorrow in the A.M.
Any one have proven methods of retrieving the bolts from the fly wheel housing?

[MikeK]

Well, removing the flywheel housing is a proven method but I don't think that's what you are looking for!

I use a fiber optic scope to find hidden things in trannys, engines, and other in-accessible places. Once you spot it then retrieving it with wires, magnets, adhesive on a stick, etc. is much easier.

[160B]

This is what I have used. Pull the starter and use the grabber with a magnet to fish out the loose pieces.

Four prong grabber with masking tape insurance and magnet for retrieving starter bendix bolt from flywheel housing

[mike657894]

magnet duct taped to coat hanger.

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

I did similar to 160B . I used an old length of drain augar, with a small magnet epoxied to the end. As he said, go through the starter hole, and you'll have the head and washer out, in a couple of try's.

[Tom Endy]

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If all the above fails, remove the starter and put a big gob of wheel bearing grease on the flywheel. Slowly rotate the engine and hope the bolts will grab onto the grease,

Tom Endy

[Floats]

Cape Codder,
My money is on a failed bendix drive spring, rather than the bolts just falling off. Those bolts were obviously tight and secured with locking plates. I realise that they take a lot if beating, but take the starter out before jumping to conclusions.
I have recently had two springs fail , one my Model A and one on the Chevy.

[Lona]

Had the same problem when I was a teen with my first Model A. An old mechanic told me to roll up a rag, push it through the starter hole and slowly rotate the engine until the rag pushed the bolt back to the starter hole where it and the rag could be removed. Worked like a charm.

Glen

[Big hammer]

Originally Posted by Lona

Had the same problem when I was a teen with my first Model A. An old mechanic told me to roll up a rag, push it through the starter hole and slowly rotate the engine until the rag pushed the bolt back to the starter hole where it and the rag could be removed. Worked like a charm.

Glen

Thats the best how to remove hareware in the flywheel housing! except drilling a big hole or removing the motor Thank you old mechanic.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

I think Loctite on the threads, helps from losing those BOLTS.
Bill W.

[KGBnut]

I used a strong magnet secured to a string. I stuck the magnet to the flywheel and slowly spun it until I heard a 'clunk." The string was in case the magnet got stuck to the bell housing.

Ken

[Cape Codder]

THE CONCLUSION!!
I used a flexible four finger retriever tool and on the second try brought it out! Wish I could be that lucky for the Power Ball!!

I did not attempt to retrieve the lock washer as I had enough luck for one day. So I went to a friend that has done a whole lot of work on Model A's and he had the proper lock washer, BUT he informed me that I had the WRONG SIZE spring on this starter (never knew there are two different sizes). So he gave me the proper size spring and two different bolts.

All together and starts well. Off to the New England in the morning.

Thanks to all that gave advice on how to deal with the situation.

[stewwolfe]

Way to go! Thanks for letting us know what the end result was.

[Clem Clement]

Yes, there are at least 2 different sizes of the loops at the spring ends.

[john charlton]

I lost my starter drive ,pulled the starter and a Bendix bolt had dropped out . I securely taped one of those super strong button magnets on the bottom of an old speedo cable and went fishing . Caught 4 bolts and various lock washers so you never know what lurks in your flywheel housing !!!

John in the weather is brightening up Suffolk County England .