Starter Does Not Engage Flywheel

[Fergienewbee]

My T0-30 started fine last time. Yesterday the starter just made a whirring noise and did not engage. I've had to by-pass the starter switch and go right from the battery to the starter the last few times. Waiting for when BIL has time to look at it. Would that cause the starter problem?

Larry
 

[John(Ont)]

Bendix could be sticking on the shaft and not engaging or teeth on flywheel missing. Turn engine over 1/4 turn by hand and try.
 

[Jerry/MT]

The starter drive clutch pack is worn out or not moving to engage the ring gear. The ring gear could also be slipping on the flywheel. I had one knock the ring gear off the flywheel! It was the old early style TO-20 flywheel a PO had put on my TO-30.
 

[Bob (Aust)]

Hmmm. I disagree. If the starter engages with a lead direct from battery to starter motor, I don't think it is mechanical.

To me this sentence:

"I've had to by-pass the starter switch and go right from the battery to the starter the last few times."

Suggests possibly an electrical problem - bad earth, high resistance in the starter switch, corrosion in the leads, battery reached its "use by date" etc.

Bob in Oz
'53 TEA20