starter drive gear stripped too much?
 

Hello,

pulled my starter out and this is what I see. are the ends too far gone\chewed and that's why my starter sounds like its just spinning and not cranking the engine?

They look sorta OK to me. Are you sure the Bendix (I think that's what it's called?) drive is engaging the gear to the flywheel? Can you bench check it?

The starter worked fine until the other day. Now the starter just spins. I hooked a battery to it on my bench to confirm it still runs. Spun real fast and the sparks show was pretty neat too

I guess it's about a 45 dollar gamble to just get a new one and see. Better than spending 250 + on an aftermarket starter

The teeth are showing years of wear but they would still work. If it's just spinning and not engaging your Bendix is probably bad. You could just replace it but it won't be long before you need a rebuilt starter also.

I haven't been able to see any rebuilds for sale anywhere...any tips? I've heard of "mini starters" which is like a modern style correct?

Almost any auto parts store can get you one. Rebuilt starters usually don't include the Bendix drive that has to be bought separately.

It looks like NAPA has them $61.00

Mini starters are rather expensive from what I remember and I'm not sure if I have seen one for our old Fords that have the three mounting holes..

I've come across some online for around 259.00
http://www.robbmcperformance.com/pro...ordyblock.html

1948-79 Late-Ford-Pickup Truck Starter - MAC's Antique Auto Parts



http://www.npdlink.com/store/index.p...SetView=Thumb1

Thanks for the links

Thats interesting but I'm too old school and would never spend that kind of money on a stock truck :D

It looks like its just a bit more than buying a rebuilt one plus the 45 dollar starter drive. I've got plenty of time to decide (meaning I have no money to spend right now anyways)

starter drive gear stripped too much?
 

Pastor, Those starter drive teeth don't look good to me at all. I would replace the drive assembly.

But I have not read from anyone telling you to check the flywheel ring gear. If the ring gear has some teeth missing or badly damaged, most any starter might not engage to turn the engine over.

My advice would be to check the ring gear out completely, all the way around. If you find it bad, it can be replaced on your existing flywheel, by an automotive machine shop.

If, as you said, there are lots of sparks when the starter is running, you might need new brushes, and maybe need the armature commutator turned true again. Check the starter end bushings for slop too. It could be the armature is jumping around inside the starter housing causing the brushes to arc like that.

Hope this will help you.

Aloha, Tony :-X06

Thanks...the sparks came from the top post when I tapped my jumper cables to it. Nothing came out the back or anything. I'll inspect the ring gear(motor still in truck) by painting a tooth and turning it bit by bit and see if they are all there? I get a clear view in the starter housing. I was thinking the starter drive looked a little worn myself

http://www.ebay.com/itm/56-62-FORD-MERC-REBUILT-STARTER-W-WARRANTY-NICE-1-/360771110147?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item53ffa24503&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1956-1957-1958-FORD-V8-1-1-2-TON-TRUCK-STARTER-REBUILT-/380749154954?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item58a66b0a8a&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1953-1961-starter-drive-ford-thunderbird-tractor-truck-mercury-marquis-more-/360778618593?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item540014d6e1&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ACE-3-553-480367-A3257-Starter-Drive-Bendix-Ford-Car-Truck-Tractor-1954-1964-/271190033589?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f242f84b5&vxp=mtr

Here's a few different possibilities from good 'ol Ebay!