Bendix question

[colonelpowers]

I wanted to write to ask for your opinions regarding something that I discovered when removing my starter bendix today. A few months ago the starter bendix stopped engaging but since the car crank starts pretty well I didn't investigate until today. After removing the cover I saw that the spring was broken which is what I was expecting. When I removed the bendix I discovered that the counterweight flange was broken and had been spot welded to the gear. The welds had broken loose and I am wondering if there might have been a piece of that flange that could have fallen into the pan. Most of the piece of metal on the opposite side of the counterweight is missing but the broken edges are dark and do not appear to be recent. I can see nothing showing bright metal except where the welds separated. Would you be concerned? If a piece did fall in I suppose that after having been driven for a while since it should be harmlessly laying in the bottom of the pan. Any ideas? Anyone got a good complete bendix laying around to sell? Thanks and God Bless.

[Norman Kling]

I would remove the starter so you can see the magnets and the ring gear. Slowly move the engine around with the crank and look for any pieces which might be stuck to the magnets. Also inspect the ring gear for missing or badly worn teeth. If you have a screen over the bands remove the inspection plate and inspect for pieces. Lastly take a magnetic wand and search around the bottom of the crankcase for parts which might not be on the magneto magnets. If nothing is found, it might be OK to replace the bendix and continue driving the car. Otherwise be sure you have all the pieces removed. Might need to pull the engine and inspect the crankcase if you don't find all the pieces.
Norm

[speedytinc]

They were not originally welded. The soft counterweight is swedged to the hard gear. It is quite common for them to get loose. Sometimes the pin & spring get thrown also. Small square tabs break off from the counterweight. Thats what you are looking for. Hopefully they made it down to the drain pocket.

[Allan]

By your description, it may be that the break occurred before the weld repair, so any missing bits may be long gone. Frequently the counter weighted ring on the gear has seen attention. Originally it is "fixed" to the gear with some upsets on tabs that mate with slots at the back of the gear. These work loose, and it is common to see the ring bronze welded to the gear at those points.

Your best answer may be to replace the whole assembly at this time. To my knowledge, the gears and attached ring are not offered as spares.

Allan from down under.

[RajoRacer]

The major vendors over here carry the gear & balance collar assembly.