Submitted by: Chris McManemin

The Bendix system on the starter motor like any part gets worn over time. There are two 5/16” bolts and washers that hold the spring in place. Over time they loosen and shear off into the bell housing or worse; become lodged between the housing and the flywheel (Pictured). This unfortunately happened to me and it was a real challenge to get the bolt dislodged and removed. The flywheel was totally locked up. The crank would not budge forward or reverse. Hand cranking, putting the “A” in various gears and pushing did absolutely nothing.

I purchased a Despetch endoscope with magnetic tip to see where the bolt lodged. With assistance on the crank I was able to dislodge the bolt with a strong coat hanger. The bolt attached to the endoscope magnet and I was able to remove the bolt. The endoscope was used to remove the washer down in the bottom of the housing. I attached the modern Bendix to the starter and it has been working great since then. But what a scare.

Here are a couple suggestions to avoid or prevent these unfortunate mishaps from happening.

  • Replace with a Modern Bendix; fully enclosed so the two bolts will never release.
  • Replace the two 5/16” bolts and spring screw washers; designed specifically for this application.
    • When replacing the two bolts and to avoid the problem of the bolts shearing off. Use a hack saw or Dremel drill cut-off wheel to cut a notch across the top of each bolt. Insert and tighten the bolts and washers into the Bendix with the notch opposite to the Bendix shaft direction. Use safety wire through/over the notch and around the Bendix housing. Twist the wire tight into place and flatten. Use silicon adhesive on the top of the bolts, over the safety wire and the twist.
  • Purchase a professional Industrial Endoscope with magnetic tip.
    • This is a great workshop tool for many applications besides the removal of bolts from the flywheel. I have also used it for confirming top dead center when timing the motor. Remove the first spark plug and Endoscope the piston at its peak. This and the timing pin in the timing gear pin hole are an excellent double check.

Replacing the Bendix with the Modern Bendix is a great way for peace of mind and can take less than an hour to perform.

 

Happy Motoring.

Make Your Day Great!!!
Chris McManemin
1930 Model A Truck Enthusiast

Bedix and Broken Bolts

 

Bendix Bolt

Purchased Endoscope