6V Starter Bendix Replacement

W

w30bob

Well-known member
Hi Guys,

Because my Cub used to start on the first crank I never noticed this problem before. Now that I'm having starting issues this problem with the starter has come to light. When I pull the starter pull rod the engine cranks for about 3 seconds and then only the starter motor spins and the engine does not. Seems like the Bendix drive disengages after a few seconds and the starter keeps running. I didn't see anything in the manuals that describes how to tear down the starter and replace the Bendix drive. Is there a specific Delco-Remy rebuild manual for the starter? Is the Bendix drive replaceable?

Thanks,
Bob
 
I don't think you have a problem with the bendix. If the engine fires even once the gear gets pushed away from the flywheel and the starter will free spin until you let the starter spin down and engage again.

You can check this by craning with the ignition switch "OFF". If the bendix stays engaged you need to move on to straightening out your running issue.

My '48 does exactly what you describe if I try to start it without enough throttle. The engine will go "chuff" and then the bendix disengages.
 
I don't disagree with MiCarl, what he describes does often happen, but it just might be a failing starter drive. I suppose there is a manual but replacing the drive is really a pretty straight forward procedure.
 
I would just remove the starter and check the gear for free movement to the very end of the shaft. Clean with carb cleaner and oil with very light oil such as WD40 or use graphite lock spray. No need to remove or replace the Bendix unless an inspection shows shows catastrophic failure.

Lots of engines will disengage the starter prematurely even though the starter Bendix is fine. If the engine kicks but does not keep running then the Bendix will disengage and the starter will keep spinning. That is normal.

I would normally think of it as an engine problem but you stated that the engine starts with one turn of the crank. If you have battery ignition, the starter may drain the ignition system enough that the engine does not start as easy as with a crank. If you have a magneto then ignore the previous sentence.

A starter clutch called a Folo-Thru was developed to eliminate that problem. They are or were available as a replacement for the cub starter Bendix but since the original worked at one time I would just clean or repair what you have.
 
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