Farmall M Starter Problem

Been having a problem lately with the starter pinion gear jamming and causing the engine to lock up. Rocking the tractor back and forth while in high gear usually breaks it free but now, even that doesn"t work. Today we had to remove the starter and tap the pinion gear before the spring would retract it. The pinion gear looks to be badly worn. My question is, can the pinion gear be easily replaced and if so, where can I get one? The starter works fine otherwise.
 
There is a new style pinion replacing the old spring style. I believe they can be purchased on this site, or many other sources. The new have a cushion in the gear and a much smaller spring. About 35 or so last I checked
 
Thanks janicholson for your reply. How difficult is it to replace the pinion gear and how do I remove the old gear? I've never attempted this before.
 
The only real issue is keeping the brushes from getting off of the armature. Keep the end frame where it is so they do not snap out of place. The drive end can be removed easily, and the new pinion should come with directions. it is simple. Jim
 
How does the Bendix drive attach to the armature? I removed the two bolts attaching the starter to the drive housing but when I go to pry the drive housing away from the starter, the armature is coming out also.

Local shop says he"ll replace the drive for $40 which seems reasonable. May just let him deal with it. Also said he"ll check to make sure it has the correct brushes since this is probably a 6 volt starter and the tractor has ben converted to 12 volts. Says the original 6 volt brushes used on 12 volt system will shorten the gear life. Had you heard this before? He"ll also check the bushings.
 
The bendix drive just attaches with a couple of bolts pinching it to the shaft.

It's no big deal to spread the brushes back out and get the armature back in if you do happen to pull it apart by mistake. Helps to have an extra set of hands, but one person can do it.
 
I just take things apart and repair. I have so many years doing it that it is second nature. The drive end should come off of the field frame with an easy tap with a wooden block or plastic hammer. There is to my knowledge no such thing as a 12volt brush. putting new brushes in it is a good idea. For 40 let the man do it. Jim
 

Jim,

The drive end of the starter was coming off the field frame easy enough but was taking the armature with it. I didn"t see how to seperate the two and was afraid the brushes were going to pop out - so pushed it back together and took it to the shop. Will have it back tomorrow.

What I understand from the shop owner is that the so-called "12 volt brushes" are smaller than the 6 volt brushes in order to reduce starter current and lessen the force from the drive against the ring gear. He feels this results in less wear and may prolong life of the drive gear. Seems like a reasonable argument when using a 6 volt starter on a 12 volt system.

Will let you know how it turns out. Thanks for your help & suggestions.

Mel
 
THe method most used to reduce impact from 12 0n 6 is to use #2 battery cables. Smaller brushes may reduce current, but with a corresponding increase in wear. I am not complaining, just commenting. The new drive pinion is equipped with a cushion at the gear that is the main improvement, along with not powering the pinion through a big spring. Jim
 

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