8N bendix stuck

[nabdag]

My 8N was running great but I hadn't used it in a few weeks due to winter. I went to start it and it just clicked. I knew that click - it was the starter. I tapped on it and it spun just a little and stopped. So I went to take the starter off to re align it and it was stuck. I didn't realize it but I took the bolts all the way out so the starter came apart because the back plate is stuck on the bell housing due to bendix engaged and stuck.

I put it in 4th gear and rocked it. Maybe I didn't do it hard enough.. But I shook it so much it scooted forward and backward. I don't want to try and pry the place because I'll pull other parts off. I tried to turn the motor but no luck. I haven't taken the plugs out yet. I had to much to do to sink my day into it.

My next steps will be -

1. on the front crank pulley rotate the engine backwards just a bit to loosen and hopefully free the starter.
2. Remove the plugs and pull the tractor backwards with the transmission in fourth gear.

I have the starter shaft exposed enough to turn it, but I'm weary to do that.

It's really stuck. I've never had this trouble with it in the 11 years I had it. Any things specific to try other than the above to hopefully not damage anything so I can just replace the starter and be done?

 

[Jim L WA]

When you rocked it back and forth, you turned the engine backwards. I think you're going to have to just show it who's the boss,
When you get the starter out of there and back together and put back in, clean the battery terminals and you will be in the clover.

 

[nabdag]

When you rocked it back and forth, you turned the engine backwards. I think you're going to have to just show it who's the boss,
When you get the starter out of there and back together and put back in, clean the battery terminals and you will be in the clover.

I took out the plugs, took a pipe wrench and turned the starter just enough to make it move. Then I rocked tractor in 4th gear a couple times - not even hard- and I heard it come free. I saw it was loose, so I rocked two more times, again not hard, and it came loose enough to slide out.

I didn't have a light with me but it looks ok in there as far as I can tell. What should I look for to ensure no damage before installing a new starter?

 

[ChrisFromCLE]

Look through the starter hole at the ring gear. Look for missing teeth. With plugs out you should be able to turn the motor from the front so that you can see all around.

If you starter is still good, you can replace just the bendix. Easy job if you don’t accidentally extend it. If extended you have to take it off the starter and spin the dang thing with your bench grinder. Sometimes twice. Don’t ask me how I know.

Chris from CLE

 

[nabdag]

Ring gear looked and felt good. I'll spin it. I'm just going to replace the starter. It's old and came apart.