Starter Bendix Problem!

[aircrew]

Hello All,

I am having trouble with my 1989 toy 3L, in my HiLux.
I just finished putting a second battery in my truck for winter, and as soon as I did that the bendix in my starter seems to not want to engage.....
Sometimes it fires right up, other times all I hear is the starters motor turning over.
I took the starter out and cleaned the shaft of the bendix, and that helped for about a day. Also lubricated it with graphite.

Can I just replace the bendix? the pinion seems to be fine, same with the flywheel.

I was told that no matter how large of a battery you put in your rig the starter speed would be limited, and the faster you spin the starter the faster the bendix would engage, and I know mine spins faster now....

Any help would be much appreciated.

Brodie

 

[WristPin]

may be the key switch sticking, not the starter at all

but make sure the plunger and contacts are adjusted, and in good order, and your not missing the spring or single ball bearing under the plunger

 

[aircrew]

I don't think it is the key switch, as it does not engage at all sometimes. I have not taken apart the starter yet. Have never taken one apart....

What should I be looking for, is the plunger the shaft that the pinion sits on.

 

[aircrew]

Also, the starter makes a definite grinding sound when the bendix does not engage, and the motor just spins up.

 

[WristPin]

i have one taken apart on my bench. shoot me a text on my phone, and i'll record you a few 30 second videos explaining how it works. and frankly i have never heard of a bendix on the starter. maybe im too much of a hermit. i dunno

 

[raydouble]

I assume he is referring to the starter shaft pinion gear.

First place I would be looking is the contacts and plunger, then voltage drops on the battery cables.

 

[DanS HJ-45]

He's talking about the starter drive engagement mechanism (when he talks about the Bendix).

I suspect these starters are a little prone to this as well, as my 2LT-E has done it a time or two (but only when it's cold out).

I've always got it started by rocking the truck back and forth in gear and eventually it goes. So far.... I would however, like to find a more permanent fix for this if I can.

Dan

 

[DanS HJ-45]

i have one taken apart on my bench. shoot me a text on my phone, and i'll record you a few 30 second videos explaining how it works. and frankly i have never heard of a bendix on the starter. maybe im too much of a hermit. i dunno

Any way we could talk you into posting up said video or explanation?

I am DEFINITELY in this boat after today. Ever tried to clutch start a diesel when it's 25 degrees? I now have.

But I'm going to try not to make a habit of it, so I'll be pulling the starter and either buying a new one, or rebuilding this one (and maybe both--it would be nice to have a spare).

edit--the battery cables and relay are all in excellent shape. I'm reading just over system voltage at the starter (system voltage measured at an ancillary circuit, like the headlight relay)

Dan