starter howl

jcworks

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 21, 2021
Threads
17
Messages
170
Pull it and lube it up, it's probably on it's last legs , starters are not very expensive , sounds like this one has given you about all it can .
Before I buy a new one I think I will try to lube it before I go out and buy one. It looks like just two bolts holding it on; not too difficult. What part of the starter should I lube .... and, do you recommend a particular type lubricant?
 

Bertrrr

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 11, 2021
Threads
5
Messages
551
When you have it off the machine You'll be able to tell what's worn visually I'd imagine, clamp it tight and apply 12 volts via jumper cables or some such , one end to the housing the other just touch off on the connector, it will / should spin like hell and tell you something, you don't need to hold it on the terminal , just hit it a few times and watch it spin up and listen.
 

jcworks

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 21, 2021
Threads
17
Messages
170
When you have it off the machine You'll be able to tell what's worn visually I'd imagine, clamp it tight and apply 12 volts via jumper cables or some such , one end to the housing the other just touch off on the connector, it will / should spin like hell and tell you something, you don't need to hold it on the terminal , just hit it a few times and watch it spin up and listen.
I think its the gear that engages the flywheel. There was a whole lot of play in it.
 

Freddie21

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 1, 2021
Threads
20
Messages
262
If you can get it to drop down, spray clean and oil the shaft of the Bendix gear. It has to move up and down freely. You have to turn the gear for it to raise. The whirring sound should be the motor\gear spinning, but not rising up to the flywheel. My 2014 machine has been doing that the first time I turn the key for many years.
 

RevB

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 8, 2022
Threads
5
Messages
140
I love the way everyone evaluates a problem.....don't look at the condition, just replace it. Starters last a looooong time...brushes, commutators, and lubrication don't. I've rebuilt several that just needed the brushes replaced, commutator cleaned, and inside cleaned. Sparse lubrication is also necessary....these are not sealed units and dirt makes it's way in eventually.
 

jcworks

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 21, 2021
Threads
17
Messages
170
Yes. It does. Supposed to have some "play".
It has a good bit of play, more like a wobble than just a little slack. I put some white lithium grease on it. Its definitely quieter but still there some and I know that won't last.
 

jcworks

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 21, 2021
Threads
17
Messages
170
I love the way everyone evaluates a problem.....don't look at the condition, just replace it. Starters last a looooong time...brushes, commutators, and lubrication don't. I've rebuilt several that just needed the brushes replaced, commutator cleaned, and inside cleaned. Sparse lubrication is also necessary....these are not sealed units and dirt makes it's way in eventually.
I looked online and found a starter shop in Birmingham. I have not yet taken it to them; partly because it still starts the engine and partly because I would imagine them fixing the issue would probably cost as much as just buying one off Amazon......that is, the Chinese made ones....ughh.
 

jcworks

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 21, 2021
Threads
17
Messages
170
If you can get it to drop down, spray clean and oil the shaft of the Bendix gear. It has to move up and down freely. You have to turn the gear for it to raise. The whirring sound should be the motor\gear spinning, but not rising up to the flywheel. My 2014 machine has been doing that the first time I turn the key for many years.
Freddie I did that; I mean applied some white lithium grease. Not a lot; I just dabbed some on with a Qtip and rubbed it around the shaft. The sound is not a whirring (like when a bendix is sticking) its a howling sound while it turns the engine over. Sometimes it doesn't make that "howl" at all; it'll just crank like its suppose to. I "think" its too much slack in the gear thats on the shaft. That howl is much less (but still there some) since I put the lithium grease on the shaft.
 

RevB

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 8, 2022
Threads
5
Messages
140
Freddie I did that; I mean applied some white lithium grease. Not a lot; I just dabbed some on with a Qtip and rubbed it around the shaft. The sound is not a whirring (like when a bendix is sticking) its a howling sound while it turns the engine over. Sometimes it doesn't make that "howl" at all; it'll just crank like its suppose to. I "think" its too much slack in the gear thats on the shaft. That howl is much less (but still there some) since I put the lithium grease on the shaft.
Bet these are plain oilite bearings that are running dry initially when cold until they warm up and exude what remaining oil there is. Could be wrong, tho. In which case oil would be a better bet. Oilite is a sintered metal that is oil impregnated at the factory....but it's not permanent.
 
Top