Case 580CK starter rusting

[ScottyD'sdad]

2 winters ago, my Case 580CK backhoe starter wouldn't turn. Took it to my auto electric guy, and it was filled with ice and rust. He cleaned and repaired it,a nd sealed the seams in the case. I added some silicone sealer ont he outside of the seams for extra measure. Last week, the started wouldn't turn, again. Took it to my guy, and the brushed=s were rusted so they couldn't move. He cleaned them up, and I repeated the sealing of the case. How does water get in? Condensation was suggested, which I believe, could be the cause of last week's issue, but, 2 quarts of condensation, for the first incident, seems unrealistic. Machine is stored outside.
Thanks for any suggestions.

Ed

[Don McCombs]

Maybe in addition to sealing, it needs a drain hole in the bottom of the case.

[ScottyD'sdad]

Good thought, Don!
Ed

[Jim Becker]

If it has a band around the brush area, make sure it is turned so the joint is down. There is often some sort of gap at the joint.

[ScottyD'sdad]

If it has a band around the brush area, make sure it is turned so the joint is down. There is often some sort of gap at the joint.

No band, Jim, and all the case joints are sealed with silicone gasket stuff.

Ed

[Jim Becker]

Could water get into the bell housing then be thrown into the starter by the flywheel?

[ScottyD'sdad]

Could water get into the bell housing then be thrown into the starter by the flywheel?

I suppose that's possible.
Ed

[Don McCombs]

I have to think that there is some type of seal on the shaft between the drive gear and the motor part of the starter.

[Jim Becker]

I have to think that there is some type of seal on the shaft between the drive gear and the motor part of the starter.

There are such things. But I think they are more the exception than the rule.

[Gary Dotson]

I ran into the same issue, a while back, also on a Case backhoe. There was no saving that starter, I had to beat it apart,it was a heavy duty Delco. The least expensive replacement was a new gear reduction starter, I don't recall the source. I also had the neighbors J D 1020, a while back, it's Delco starter was also full of water and destroyed. I don't know why these Delco starters are having this problem, those starters have been the same for many years, only seeing recently. I think trying to seal it is the wrong way to go, rather, I would consider a drain, as Don mentioned.

[ScottyD'sdad]

It's in the shop now, having the injector pump rebuilt. When I gt it back, I might try the drain hole, that Don suggested. Seems like filling with water is more than a condensation issue, though.
Ed