1948 8N Bendix busted

Won't start. Take starter out-no big spring on the end of the starter. Looky in the hole and it's sitting right there.
So, what actually broke? Isn't there a big flat washer on the end of that aseembly? How do I take the old Bendix off?

normally that big washer hides and captures a small dowel pin thru the shaft that holds the gear onto the shaft.

soundguy

So, how do I replace this pooch?

And also, is the original style best, or can TSC help me ? WHat is a 'positive spin' model and should I get that or not?

You can get a long magnetic rod that's flexible and retrieve the parts. I have seen pics on this forum of a bell housing broken by the flywheel slinging a starter drive through the side.Then you can put it back on,or put another on.---lha

[b:011b355643]is the original style best, or can TSC help me ? WHat is a 'positive spin' model and should I get that or not?[/b:011b355643]

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If it's still 6 volts, I would recommend the newer style drive. If you've converted it to 12 volts you'll get longer life from the original spring type Bendix. The positive drive Bendix doesn't seem to last very long with a 12 volt system.

Both type of drives are held in with a roll pin that goes through the starter shaft. How to procedures for replacing the Bendix is well documented in the archives - The "Search" feature will overwhelm you with information.

The quality of most TSC's repair parts are questionable. Caveat emptor.

Unfortunately, the quality of TSC parts for N's is less than desirable. All I get from them is hydraulic fluid & sediment bowl gaskets.

A 12v conversion isn't going to do much for a bendix designed for the torque produced by a 6v starter.

Ever since the first bendix went out on one of my N's, I've installed the new positive drive models. AFAIK, three of the four have the PD bendix. It works like this......the bendix engages the ring gear on the flywheel & turns the engine over. When the engine speed exceeds the design speed of the bendix (because the engine is running) it disengages. (and I can never remember what RPM that is) All the new style bendix does is allow a higher engine speed before it disengages.

This is a great concept. But here is the problem: according to the local rebuild shop, the life expectancy on the PD bendix is not that good. I found that out when the PD bendix went out on my least used (6v) N. The bendix only had 185 hours on it. I took the starter to the shop for them to check it out while I had it off & to get a new PD bendix. They all had a good time giving me grief about using the PD bendix instead of the OEM bendix (owning 4 N's, I'm on a first name basis w/ them!).

The good news is that they still have a source for the OEM bendix. One place is left in the country.

So, I'm back to an OEM bendix on one N & probably will be replacing the other two as they crap out in the next year or so.


These guys do 'mail order' work; give them a call to get a quote & shipping info.

And, they also do carbs, starters, generators, water pumps, clutches, etc.

Automotive Manufacturers Incorporated
2400 N Lombardy St
Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 321-6861

BTW, don't worry about bendix parts in the bell housing. Leave it be; there is plenty of room in there.
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Thanks for all the great info. This is why these forums are the best. 1) I found out that had my spring gone down into the bell housing I could have left it. 2) I have 12V and the PD models shouldn't be used there.

I do have 1 question-since I have the spring (It was just sitting there when I took the starter off), can I repair this myself?

2 questions-the pin is intact, but, it seems to only hold the mechanism onto the shaft? It doesn't stick out at all past the collar of the assembly...The outer washer is missing, presumably broken.

1) Can I just get a new washer?
2) What holds the outer washer on then since the pin isn't proud?
3) Do I have to buy a new starter drive? (figuring on that already)

Bruce,

That company you list is your OEM source for the old style spring bendix? Automotive Manufacturers Inc.?

Thanks.

No, they are the rebuilders. The owner said there is only one US supplier left that makes the OEM bendix.

[b:6295afe894]BTW, don't worry about bendix parts in the bell housing. Leave it be; there is plenty of room in there.[/b:6295afe894]

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I couldn't sleep knowing there were starter parts floating around the bell housing just fractions of an inch away from the spinning flywheel and pressure plate. But as the saying goes - You lay down your money and you take your chances - But it's entirely your call.

ITSA No brainer--broke parts ain"t meant to be left joshling around in the belly of the tractor..

Think...a starter drive spring cannot possibly damage a cast iron oil pan. It's a small piece of metal. That picture cannot represent damage from a starter drive coming loose. There's no way.

Plus, I said, I got the spring-it was sitting right there.

What I need to know is can I rebuild this since only the outer washer broke off?

Oh, and my tractor is 12v, but I don't know if the starter is 6 or 12.

So, Bruce, 12V need the OEM style, 6V can use the new PD style?

No, I wouldn't use the PD bendix on 12v or 6v. The life expectancy isn't all that good. Mine lasted 185 hours.
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