Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines Starter on 51 not working properly

First Hi to the board, this is my first post, though I have been on for a while. Now to the problem
I have a 1951 Chevy 4 door deluxe with the 216. My problem is when I turn over the engine the starter works for one crank then spins freely. I am guessing that something in the solenoid or arm is out of wack but I'm not sure since this is my first early 50's car. Any help in the right direction as to a fix is appreciated!
Aaron

Welcome to Inliners Aaron.I think you are on the right track in that the solenoid is not driving
the starter pinion onto the flywheel ring gear.
Check all your wire connections for good ground or frayed or broken wire. Check the action while someone attempts to start you '51. good Luck.

Thanks for the reply. I think the starter and electrical are ok. When I push the starter button the starter turns over good. I'm 80% sure it has something to do with the solenoid engaging the flywheel. It'll do it for 1-2 revoulutions then disengage the starter from the flywheel. The starter will continue to run but the motor doesn't turn over. So my next question is, should I replace the solenoid, get a repair kit from chevy's of the 40's, or will just cleaning the solenoid fix it???

Well,you obviously know what you may need to do in your 3 repair possibilties.I would start with cleaning and work backwards on your list.It's seems the solenoid is not always being
"magnetized" or electrically charged. Do the cheapest,easiest thing first.I recently had a '55
Chevy solenoid that had a bad internal contact ring and required a replacement.

Dear Aaron;

I would replace the solnoid or put in a 'repair kit', if you can find one.

If not the solenoid can be fixed by rotating the posts 180 so the unused portion hits the washer. Polish the washer too.

This will "get you by", but not the best way.

Good luck, John M....

Does it always catch the first time you hit the switch? Sometimes a chipped tooth, worn gear, loose bolt, missalignment can give problems. Your description does not sound like that, but check and be sure.

Thanks for all the responses!
The starter does catch every time when I hit the button, so I don't think there are any teeth missing. I called Chevy's of the 40's and ordered a new solenoid. The repair kit is back ordered since june! Hopefully once I get it installed that will fix my problem.
Aaron

Dear Aaron;

It should!

Be sure to put the wire that 'feeds' the car on first, then the cable. This will keep the lock washer from "tearing it up".

Another thing; make sure the (negative) cable is connected to the engine & not the body/frame.

Good luck, John M.......

Well I got the new solenoid and installed it. When I pushed the starter button it did the same thing! The engine turned over once or twice then the starter just starting free wheeling. I had my wife hit the starter and I watched the solenoid, the plunger seems to be engaging fine. But something is causing the starter to disengage.
So now I have a new solenoid but the old problem. I pulled the starter, the gear has slight wear on the ends of the teeth but doesn't look to be in bad shape. If I push the plunger into the solenoid the gear moves forward. I also took of the flywheel pan and the teeth look ok there as well.
Finally, my new question is, is this a case of misalignment on the solenoid (I don't think so because it does engage the flywheel for 1-2 revolutions). Is it in the starter itself?
Is there a way to test the starter with it off, to check that it is engaging the gear while the solinoid is energized?
Any and all responses is appreciated!
Aaron

Another question, I was looking through my repair manual at the starter assembly. Has anyone ever replaced the clutch on the inside of the starter? Apparently it is what fully engages the starter gear to the flywheel. Is this something that can go bad (from my motorcycle experience my guess is yes)?

Yes the drive can be replaced and can be the cause of your problem. Might not be something your local auto parts store has in stock but most vintage Chevy parts specialists ought to have one. It is referred to as either a Starter Drive, Bendix Drive, or occaisionally a starter drive clutch. Modern day Chevy starter drives are around $30 to $35 at the parts stores. "Your 235's drive price may vary"

Mike

Bench testing.

Connect a set of jumper cables from a battery to the main cable terminal on the starter and the ground of the jumpers to the starter nose at one of the bolt holes. With the front of the starter facing you use a screw driver to jump from the large solenoid terminal to the small one to the right of it. This will energise the solenoid and spin the starter. It should jump right back to the end of the shaft and stay there until you remove the screwdriver. All it really tells you is the drive is fully engaging and the motor is spinning. It won't duplicate the starter's performance when cranking the engine but if the drive is really shot you should notice a problem.

Oh yeah, hold onto the starter when you engage it.

Aaron,
The problem you describe is typical of a bad starter drive (Bendix). A real common problem with these old starters.

Jim

Thanks for the replys Mike and Jim!
So I guess I'll try just replacing the drive. Chevy's of the 40's sell the complete clutch spring and gear for $30 or such. Since the gear is a little worn that needs replacing anyway.
I just wasn't sure if I should go get a whole new starter.

Just a final update. The clutch on the starter was the problem. A new clutch/spring/gear assembly from Chevy's of the 40's and the starter is back in buisness! Now I just need to get that carb from stovebolt...