Starter gear broke, engine stuck. HELP

Rick B 8N WA · Feb 7, 2017

For the second time in three months I have managed to shatter the
starter drive gear on my 1952 8N, side dizzy, 12 volt conversion.
The first time the debris fell clear. This time a portion of the
broken gear is jammed somewhere inconvenient, and the engine will
not turn over. I really need this tractor. 14 inches of snow in
past five days and five to eight more coming in the next two
days.

Is this going to require a split? Something I've never done
before. What else should be done at that time, aside from a new
clutch?

Thanks for any suggestions, and for all of the great information
on the YT forums.

Bruce (VA) · Feb 7, 2017

12 volts have a way of breaking Bendix gears designed for 6 volts, but 2 in 3 months tells me that you have a bent starter shaft or worn ring gear.

You can buy one of those remote camera's for $20 that fit on your cell phone and go fishing for Bendix parts. Or, just split the tractor.

While you're in there, have the clutch & p/p rebuilt. Replace the t/o & pilot bearings & the transmission seal.

Chances are you're going to need a new ring gear & the flywheel resurfaced.

Lots of info in the FO4 manual about splitting the tractor. And see tip # 59.
75 Tips

Den N Ms · Feb 7, 2017

Rick,Put in 4th gear and rock it backwards pushing backwards on the rear tires and see if it will pop it free.I take it you have the starter removed,or even pry it backwards on the flywheel.

Rick B 8N WA · Feb 7, 2017

Thank you. I am responsible for both broken gears. Each time the engine fired quickly, then died, and I think I re-engaged the starter before the engine quit turning. Instant shrapnel.
I was hoping to avoid a split as I am caring for my wife with stage 4 cancer. If it has to be done... I could use a new clutch.

Rick B 8N WA · Feb 7, 2017

Pulled starter, replaced Bendix, reinstalled. Determined engine stuck. After much digging, snow blowing and towing I got tractor out of the shed, turned around and pushed back into the shed to remove the FEL. Then towed out again and pushed into my garage for a more hospitable workspace.
Tried rocking it in gear, no joy.
Sounds like Splitsville.

ratface · Feb 7, 2017

You probably won't have to split it just yet. Try rocking the tractor back and forth in gear and see if you hear anything falling. If it falls to the bottom it shouldn't hurt much until you have time and better weather to split it. You could also get a socket on the front of the engine and try moving it back and forth and maybe dislodge whatever is binding it. You probably do have a bad ring gear but they are generally bad in only a couple of spots and there are enough good teeth in there to get you going again with an old starter just to clean up your snow. If you split it like in the picture you save a bunch of time by not draining and removing the gas tank. That split was for replacing the ring gear and yes you should just go ahead with the clutch if it's been a while since you did one.

duey · Feb 7, 2017

While it has been many a YEAR now, on my 2N, I incorporated three four inch turns of extra cable for the starter to provide a bit of CUSHION for the 12 volt wattage... Never had a problem. Your tractor, your call... even copper wire has resistance. To show yourself how much, clip your voltmeter lead to each end of a wire and then add a load. What you read is the LOSS under load. No Load, no loss.... heavy load, heavier loss. Basic Electricity...just sayin'....

DavidBond · Feb 8, 2017

Are you close to Chehalis

jimtrs · Feb 8, 2017

As it obviously does not want to turn over in the running direction, have you tried rotating the engine backwards? I would do this through the starter hole with a big screwdriver or bar on the ring gear.

(quoted from post at 00:18:05 02/08/17) Thank you. I am responsible for both broken gears. Each time the engine fired quickly, then died, and I think I re-engaged the starter before the engine quit turning. Instant shrapnel.

Yup, two most common reasons for broken starter drive gears are:
engaging the starter again with the engine still turning, and the engine coughing while cranking and rotating backwards. This second reason is more common on engines like the big johnny poppers. I've even seen them shatter the nose cones on those types of starters.

Best of luck with everything

kev518n · Feb 8, 2017

Get rid of the junk factory starter and replace it with one of the mini high torque starters. Best 199.00 ive spent on my 8n

Rick B 8N WA · Feb 9, 2017

Not near Chehalis. Twenty miles north of Spokane.

Ken(Ark) · Feb 9, 2017

Hope your problem is better than this guy's oil pan on the Ford board .

DavidBond · Feb 9, 2017

(quoted from post at 15:21:45 02/09/17) Not near Chehalis. Twenty miles north of Spokane.

If you were closer I would have been able to help you slpit and fix...

HFJ · Feb 9, 2017

:lol: ken. that's something i hope to never see firsthand :shock:

Starter gear broke, engine stuck. HELP

Rick B 8N WA

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Bruce (VA)

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Den N Ms

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Rick B 8N WA

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Rick B 8N WA

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ratface

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duey

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DavidBond

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jimtrs

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kev518n

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Rick B 8N WA

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DavidBond

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HFJ

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