starter gear
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: NE
starter gear
I boltled on a new flywheel and now wondering if I should replace the starter gear to prevent wearing the teeth on the new flywheel. Is the gear on the starter replaceable? If so, is it an easy job?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 4
From: Fairview Heights Illinois, near Saint Louis MO, STL C3 Shark
Yes, it is replaceable, but Im not sure if you can buy just the gear. The head of the starter and all internals are replaceable. In highshcool/college I used to rebuild them all the time and use best parts from several in junkyards to get a good one for use. You might need to scrounge a new gear from another starter.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,675
Likes: 13
From: Sudbury MA
It's called the Bendix drive and it can be purchased seperately. I have done so many times in years past when I rebuilt these starters for myself and for friends. Any reputable auto parts store should have them. Try NAPA or AutoZone. Chevy would probably charge more.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 2,675
Likes: 13
From: Sudbury MA
Yes it could. I f the Bendix spring is weak and does not push the starter gear all the way forward before it starts to spin it would have the effect of grinding on the flywheel. It also could be something else such as the starter not properly aligned with the flywheel. I have heard of people having to use shims when mounting the starter. I have never experienced this but it may be part of your problem rather than the bendix drive. If it were me, I would take the starter out and completely rebuild it with a new Bendix drive and clean up the internals of the solenoid to be sure of getting good electrical contact. The solenoid operates the bendix so I would want to be sure both are OK. Solenoids can be rebuilt, bendix drives should be replaced as there is no way to "rebuild" a tired spring in the bendix drive. Also be sure the battery is fully charged so you get all the kick you need.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 4
From: Slidell La
Why Not?
Why not just have the starter either replaced or rebuilt. For so much effort to change the flywheel, why risk damage. It is possible to replace the starter drive bendix. Just disassemble the starter remove the C clip and off it comes. But you will then have the bearings and brushes open so why not do the entire thing and you won't have to worry about it for a while. I have a ford truck and was considering rebuild, but the starter shop told me,, $95 for rebuild but I have a new one for $85.. Tough decision. 99 Nassau Blue
