Straightening a started shaft?

[Model-T&A]

I have been helping a older gentleman getting his T back on the road. It was put away 1 1/2+ years ago following a loud "Clunk" while backing it out of his garage, then pushed back into the garage, and due to health issues there it has sat. While we were attempting to get it going with the electric started the "Clunk" repeated, the starter bound-up, so the effort was stopped. On to the Bendex.

With the Bendex cover removed the issue was clear, a broken Bendex drive gear. Fortunately all the pieces appear to be there.

With the Bendex off the starter turned freely but not turning true, bent, and on close examination of the hogshead a shinny surface was see between 9-12 o'clock where the Bendex would rub in passing. (sorry about the out of focus picture).

Looked into replacing the started with a rebuild unit but none locally available for several months.

Is it possible to straighten the starting shaft, and if so how? Or should we just wait for a started to become available. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated as I am hoping to get this gentleman back on the road with his grandchildren for some fall touring.

Thanks,
Rick

[George House]

Yes it is..... google: MTFCA straighten bent starter shaft

[Scott_Conger]

Rick

yes they can be straightened...in fact virtually every one needs it.

be aware that the bend can often be a dog leg, so be patient in the press and work it out.

[Bill Coyle]

There is a small pin and a spring on the ring that came off the starter gear. Make sure you put them back, and the pin moves easily before you weld the ring on. You can purchase them from the vendors.

The purpose is to keep the gear back away from the ring gear after it starts.
Good luck,
Bill Coyle

[speedytinc]

I doubt all the pieces are there. There is a pin & spring under the counterweight that keeps the gear disengaged back. Obviously it blew apart. You need a rebuilt unit. Its repairable, but is a bit more involved than for here.

Starter shaft . Best way is to remove the armature. put the shaft in a lathe & straighten @ the bend. Be careful not to bend back in a different spot.
Get it as straight as possible & reassemble. Hook it up on the bench. Run the motor barely touching the shaft end with a felt tip pan. It will witness the high side. Tap with a brass hammer. repeat until the pen makes a nice even line.
You may be able to do your rough straightening with the complete bendix reassembled on the starter. Remove for the fine tune straightening. Be careful not to let the bendix bite you when running.

[Model-T&A]

Thank you all for the information. I did Google MTFCA straighten bent starter shaft and found a wealth of information. We will give straightening a try.

As for the Bendex gear, a new was obtained and installed with the help of Steve at Lang's. All the other parts of the Bendex appears in good condition.

On closer inspection there appears to be one tab, of four, missing from the Bendex gear balance ring and here is hoping it will be picked up in the transmission oil screen.

Like I always say: "When in doubt ask the Forum".

Thanks again,
Rick

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

Bendix

[Allan]

Once you have the armature shaft straight, you may well find that the snout on the end casting is also bent. This is somewhat difficult to negotiate a cure. If it is left bent the likely result is a severely worn whitemetal bush in the snout. I have had some success fitting a bronze bushing and then machining its inside diameter, which is a little off-set to accommodate the bend in the snout.

Hope this helps.
Allan from down under.

[speedytinc]

Once you have the armature shaft straight, you may well find that the snout on the end casting is also bent. This is somewhat difficult to negotiate a cure. If it is left bent the likely result is a severely worn whitemetal bush in the snout. I have had some success fitting a bronze bushing and then machining its inside diameter, which is a little off-set to accommodate the bend in the snout.

Hope this helps.
Allan from down under.

Once the shaft is straight, slide in the bendix. If it hits on one side, smack it with a brass/copper/lead hammer.
It will typically straighten that snout. I slide an extra, loose bendix end cap in to prevent egging the bushing.
Thats one of the steps in a "complete" rebuild.