MTFCA Forum

The 1927 Ford model T I bought had been starting flawlessly…. Just this afternoon I went to start it and it’s not turning the engine….. the starter sounds like it’s spinning fine but I’m thinking the Bendix, any thoughts….. Would low battery voltage cause The Venix not to engage, the original owner had an 8 V battery in it I can’t figure out for the life of me how it would charge off of a 6 V generator

A "6 volt" T generator will charge an 8 volt battery if it is working properly. As for your starter, yes, a very low battery could allow the starter motor to turn, yet prevent the Bendix from engaging. Check your battery with a load tester to be sure it is working properly, and check all battery and starter connections to make sure they are clean and tight. It's possible your Bendix has sticky oil on it that won't allow the gear to spin out and engage the flywheel. Model Ts don't like thick gummy oil.

Thanks for the info Sir….. I guess it’s time to pull the starter

Flyingpiper59 wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 21, 2022 12:48 pm

The 1927 Ford model T I bought had been starting flawlessly…. Just this afternoon I went to start it and it’s not turning the engine….. the starter sounds like it’s spinning fine but I’m thinking the Bendix, any thoughts….. Would low battery voltage cause The Benix not to engage, the original owner had an 8 V battery in it I can’t figure out for the life of me how it would charge off of a 6 V generator

Starters that sound like t hey are spinning and not turning over the engine are and indication that the Bendix gear is not engaging the flywheel. Several discussion are ongoing about Bendix issues and causes. Bob's Antique Auto Parts may still have good rebuilt ones. The FATMAN on the forum

Usually when the starter spins without starting the engine, either the bendix spring is broken or one of the bolts which hold the spring have come out. Hopefully if the bolt came out it didn't go in the crankcase.
Norm

Word of caution - if you've not removed a Model T starter before - one FIRST needs to remove the Bendix drive !!!

You'll want to download or even print this service manual.
http://www.cimorelli.com/mtdl/servicema ... ndexed.PDF
Chapter XXVIII shows the procedure to remove the bendix etc --
Just another reference

You need to pull the starter bendix, not necessarily the starter motor. Its likely the issue & will be obvious. Lost bolt, broken spring or counterweight. Whall the bendix is out, do a quick test on the starter.
Hit the starter switch & try to stop the spinning with a leather gloved hand. You should not be able to easily stop the motor from spinning with the switch engaged.
If you dont already have a T1 service manual, get one ASAP.
This manual is the bible of model T repair.

speedytinc wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 21, 2022 2:40 pm

You need to pull the starter bendix, not necessarily the starter motor. Its likely the issue & will be obvious. Lost bolt, broken spring or counterweight. Whall the bendix is out, do a quick test on the starter.
Hit the starter switch & try to stop the spinning with a leather gloved hand. You should not be able to easily stop the motor from spinning with the switch engaged.
If you dont already have a T1 service manual, get one ASAP.
This manual is the bible of model T repair.

I provided a link above that contains the entire service manual to download and/or print