40 year old F1 starter

[texfj40]

I guess 40 years is a good life expectancy for a stock starter. Mine has begun a metallic "Twang" every dozen starts or so. Like the bendix is not extending fully into the flywheel teeth. No problem with teeth on the flywheel. Is there something I can do to eliminate the twang by lubricating the bendix somehow? Or take it to an starter/alternator overhaul outfit? Thanks in advance.

 

[FJforty]

Is the starter motor spinning during/while/after the twang? No engagement of the starter?

 

[35inchoverdrive]

Remans can be had at the local Advance, Autozone etc cheaply. They aren't top quality like the Toyota stuff, but they usually have lifetime warranties and it doesn't get much easier than changing a starter on a 40.

 

[texfj40]

FJ40: Per your request....there is just a twang...no spinning, etc. Immediatly after the twang, with the next key turn, it engages the flywheel correctly and starts the engine. A dozen or so perfect starts later, "twang".......

 

[jeepdude01]

does it sound like the starter teeth are ramming into the flywheel teeth or something like that?

 

[FJforty]

Try to isolate the sound. It could be the starter solenoid contacts making the noise. The twang could be the starter bendix kicking out and engaging your flywheel. Normally that sounds more like a smack.

If the bendix is engaging and no starting then the starter motor brushes might be going. This is the most likely, the motor stops someplace and doesn't like starting from there. Russian roulette on the armature.

Check for low battery voltage, cable connections,

 

[65swb45]

Remans can be had at the local Advance, Autozone etc cheaply. They aren't top quality like the Toyota stuff, but they usually have lifetime warranties and it doesn't get much easier than changing a starter on a 40.

Agreed.

You could also use the opportunity to consider an upgrade to the gear reduction starter. I used the heck out of mine on the trail in TX a few weeks ago to negotiate a few tough spots where the 3 speed wasn't giving me the control I wanted.

Best

Mark A.

 

[71yotaFJ0]

hey I have a starter off the 1F i pulled out of my 71 FJ40 that works just fine I would sell you if you want it to be original???

just to throw that out to you