Hi guys,

I'm replacing my starter (after reading a very informative thread here on replace vs. rebuild) and I'm wondering if my drive/bendix has a normal amount of wear or too much.
See pictures below.
When I looked at some pictures of new ones, they seem to have a lead-in on the teeth? So are my teeth worn or not? Have any of you had a good close look at a new one compared to this?
Thanks, Tom

 

Looks fine to me, I don't see any gashes or chunks missing.

JB

 

I don't see anything that would prevent me from cleaning the bendix and installing it. They do work better when clean.

 

You do want to clean and degrease that drive and shaft well, you want a good clean swift action and no grease to slow it down.

 

Here is one right out of the box and it looks about like yours....

 

Tooth contact area looks fine. De-grease and clean thoroughly. Apply graphite lube to shaft and bushing. Graphite is not affected by cold temps and is not a dust and dirt magnet.

 

Thank you everyone!

This place is great.
Tom

 

They will probably outlive you . Sorry to be blunt , but they do look fine to me

 

It is always good to check on the starter teeth, bad ones can ruin the flywheel teeth. Quite a bit harder and more expensive to change...
I agree, yours look great.

 

That bendix was in my truck and who knows how old it is - it's good to get second opinions before I re-use it. The new starter is back in today and engages great. No issues. I washed the bendix in the kitchen sink with a toothbrush, hot water and Dawn dish soap and then used powdered graphite on all the moving parts. I'll start a separate thread on my purchase of a re-manufactured starter.....
Thanks again guys.
Tom

 

I thought I was bad, washing parts in the bathtub

 

Don't let your wife catch you using the dishwasher but they are awesome parts cleaners . I speak from experience on both matters .

 

Looks like two of the teeth are bent. There seems to be a flat on the right side of the teeth that the other ones don't have. Just my opinion.

 

Well I didn't mean to get anyone in trouble, but I just kinda assumed you'd use something like Brakleen or aerosol engine degreaser, or a regular parts washer. My apologies.


That gives me an idea. Wonder how they would hold up with industrial strength Zep parts cleaner?