Bendix Clatter

[Akstraw]

I am new to Model T and to MTFCA, having just bought a 1926 coupe out of 30+ year storage last month. I am going through it system by system before i try to run it. Electrics all sorted/checked out, and i tested the starter (on the car). It turns the engine just fine, but makes a clattering sound when engaged. I pulled the bendix cover and watched it turn. It seems to be all there and intact, but the clattering sound is clearly coming from the bendix. Is this normal? If not, any suggestions on what to look for as the defect? Thanks in advance. As a lifelong antique car enthusiast and restorer, i am excited to finally own a Model T!

[Art M]

The starter gear might be going into the flywheel ring gear. This interference would cause noise. I have seen a loose starter mounting screws cause unusual noise.

Art Mirtes

[Art M]

Going in to the flywheel too far. Thought I should clarify

Art

[Norman Kling]

Are you using 6 volt battery? Some people try to use a 12 volt battery with a starter made for 6 volts. That is very hard on the bendix and the starter ring. Also be sure you are using a bendix spring made for a Model T. The Model A spring will not work. The weight on the bendix could be loose from the gear as well. Be sure all the bolts at the end of the spring line up. If the spring is partially unwound they would be offset. The 4 screws between the starter motor and the hogs head must be tight and the bearings a the end of the starter shaft must not be worn out and also the shaft should be straight. Anyway, a lot of things to check.
Norm

[Humblej]

Andrew,
A clattering noise at the bendix is not normal. One thing you can do to further troubleshoot is to remove the bendix cover and run the starter and see what is happening. Do not run the engine with the bendix cover off as it will gush oil, but you can run the starter for 10-15 seconds. Also look for signs of rubbing on the inside of the bendix cover, a loose bolt or the wrong bolt in the bendix spring, or a loose starter will make a clattering noise.

[TFan]

Andrew, If you decide to pull the starter be sure to remove the bendix from the shaft first, you run the risk of damage to the magneto if you don't. One thing I don't think was mentioned it could be a bent armature shaft. Jim

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

Show us some pictures of the bendix. It should not rattle.

Noise is often caused by the bendix rubbing against the cover. Look inside the cover for rub marks.

[TWrenn]

While back I had a starter that I thought just didn't "sound right". Turns out the end of the snout lacked the babbit bearing. Got one that did, and all quiet after that. Check yours out.

[Akstraw]

I pulled the bendix and checked it out. Everything looks fine. Then ran the starter without the bendix, and the clatter is still there. I pulled and partially dismantled the starter. The shaft seems straight, and the bushings tight. I think that the noise is related to the shaft having more than an eighth of an inch of end play. I see one thrust surface on the end of the snout which looks in good shape. It is not clear to me how axial play is controlled in this starter. Am I missing a thrust spring or something on the other end (not the snout end) of the shaft?

[TFan]

Andrew, These starters have a babbitt washer on the brush end which can start to crumble allowing the armature to move about uncontrolled. This could be your noise. I'm no expert just what I have found in a couple of recent rebuilds for myself. Jim

[Jerry VanOoteghem]

I pulled the bendix and checked it out. Everything looks fine.

As you state, you're new to Model Ts. Do you know what looks fine looks like? I don't mean for that to appear insulting, but it's clear that something is wrong, so somewhere, something is not fine.

[Akstraw]

Thanks, Jim. Yes, there seems to be something missing on the brush end of the starter. I think I’ll machine something out of brass to fill the void for now and see how that works. Andrew