Double Aaargh!!

I was outside trying to diagnose my speedo sender problem (with some success) when I decided to spin the engine over to see if electrical interference is causing my problem...

...and the starter just spun over without engaging the flywheel! All I get is 'whizz', 'whizz' when I try. Last time I tried it worked perfectly. I put the engine in gear and pushed the car to move the flywheel, in case some teeth had broken on my ring gear - no difference, so I guess that's OK.

I have vague memories of this being a common Ford problem in the dim and distant past - anyone got any ideas, before I grovel under the car and take the starter out? (my guess is that the inertia gear has stuck and isn't travelling up the motor shaft to engage with the ring gear).

rgds,

David
(who's feeling very pee'd off!)

Remember a replacement inertia starter is 20 quid from LSUK - exchange.

its the bendix stuck,clean it but dont lube it

A bit of powdered graphite wouldn't harm, but nothing sticky!

Hit it with a hammer

I think we used to soak the bendix in petrol to free it. I did have a spring break on one once in the dim and distant past.

Yes all of the above --- longterm a new starter will be required as the splined bit at the end of the starter armature shaft wears.

Also not worth changing the Bendix to cure a sticking one --- different if the gear is chewed up. Needs a special C clamp tool anyway -- I had one but sold it on ebay last year for many times the new cost 35 years ago.

I had this problem on my xflow,

Simple cure.......the battery.

It had enough power to spin the starter but not fast enough to get it to engage, and turn the engine over.

Try charging it up, try another batterty or jump starting it.

Mark

That was my first thought, but it's a newish battery and I gave it a recharge before I tried again - same result.

Checking the bendix seems favourite at the moment...

Thanks to all,

David

Well, it was a stuck bendix - wouldn't move, 'persuaded' it a bit. now it won't stick again - works perfectly.

Looked totally clean, but gave it a good clean out with brake cleaner (best aerosol degreaser I've come across) and lubricated it with locksmith's graphite. See what happens.

Thanks to all,

david