So I have been working to get this TT, which sat for 14 +/- years, started. Rebuilt the bendix, new upper water outlet & belt, new head gasket, rebuilt carb, and now the 'coup de grace' - the starter is bad.
I was out of my league doing what I've done but replacing the starter is way beyond my mechanical abilities. If it was any other car, I could replace the starter. But since Henry didn't want to pay royalties, I am stuck with an absurd design unlike any other car ever made.
So, the end has come. I am going to (try) sell this as is and get what I have in it back.
Thank you for all your help. I could not have done what I did without this Forum
Grant Barlow
East Dubuque, Illinois
Why can't you replace the starter? It's a very easy job
Grant, if you rebuilt the Bendix, starter R&R should be easy for you. Sorry to see you deciding to sell
Remove the bendix. Four screws hold the starter. Done
The bendix was not fun. It was probably the most difficult assembly I have ever done in my life, and I have assembled some pretty complicated equipment, both in the USAF and in the Research Labs I worked in.
No way do I want to deal with that again. I'm through.
You could always just crank it. My starter won’t turn over a cold engine but my arm works just fine.
Part of the fun of owning an antique car is learning how to work on it. Between the help of this forum and possible someone in a local car club, this should be a straight forward and non-time consuming task.
If you aren't having fun working on your truck, maybe it is time to pass it along to someone who will.
Antique cars are a great hobby, but they are not for everyone.
Most of my friends and business colleagues are avid golf players and do not understand why I don't partake in the game. Like old cars, playing golf isn't for everyone either!
Uh,there is a such thing as asking for some help from a local club. I would hate to think there was no 1 near enough to help switch out a starter.
Tim said what I was going to say. Just crank it.
I like old cars, I have 3, the TT, a 66 Corvair,and a 90 Mercedes-Benz.
I have always wanted a pre-war car, not necessarily a Model T, let alone a TT. The only reason I bought it was the person who I knew from business, was dying and needed the money. I thought I knew what I was getting into, but all the setbacks of trying to start the car is wearing thin. It is no longer fun.
Not only do I need to change the starter, which by the way, the instructions I saw stated I would have to remove the oil pan and maybe more, was why I am 'throwing in the towel'.
I also need to replace the tires (already purchased).
So that is why I bought it and why I'm ready to sell.
Reason for not cranking: I am 69 and have severe asthma. I don't need an attack from trying to start an old car.
Grant tried it, it's not pleasant for him, no use insisting. Like "Jumanji" . . . Fun for some, not for all. Thanks for being a good sport and giving it a try Grant ! Best wishes. You probably won't get hurt financially.
The oil pan doesn't have to be removed, just the engine pan if it is still installed.
Grant,
I just sent you a PM.
Randy
You must not have tried to remove and replace the third main with the crankcase in place? Much harder than to replace a starter.
Norm
When in doubt read the instructions. When working on old cars in the past I always used a instruction manual especially when it's the engine.
The "pan" is the sheet metal engine pan that needs to be removed if it's still attached to get to the screws that hold the starter on the transmission cover.
The Model T Service manual has all the information you need.
The absurd design that Henry Ford used for the Model T literally put America on whelels. It's explained in the manual.
I'm so confused, how can you not remove the starter? I can remove mine in 15-20 minutes! And you think the bendix is hard? Mines only hard to remove because the shaft is mushroomed from someone hitting it with a hammer. And half my bendix is home made. After it's off there's only 4 screws and 1 wire to remove and it slides out.
Or maybe you're talking about a completely different type of vehicle, like a ford mondao or something.
Grant, don't give up!. Sometimes its just best to just walk away for a bit when you get frustrated, and come back to it with a clear head. Good Luck.