Reinstalling my rebuilt starter

[scolley]

As some of you may know, I'm new to tractors and mechanics and bought a 1948 8N last year as a learning laboratory lol. You guys have been very patient with me and helpful.

I'm trying to reinstall a starter that I had rebuilt. While I was trying to position it in place I used my finger to feel around inside of the housing in front of the flywheel. There were a LOT of small, sharp pieces of steel and a steel paste probably of grease and steel dust, it looked like anti seize compound. I presume that the metal pieces came from the Bendix gear (I have no idea what its proper name is) which had been badly worn by the flywheel. The guys at the starter rebuild place told me it was because the 6 Volt starter was getting a 12 Volt charge and was slamming into the flywheel too fast. Apparently the previous owner had not accounted for that when he made the 6 to 12 Volt conversion. Anyway, finally my question, will those metal shavings and metal paste ruin my new Bendix gear? If so how can I flush that stuff out? Thanks, Stewart

 

[HCooke]

Short of splitting the tractor, i would just ignore it. If the ring gear is severely damaged, you would have to do that to replace it.

 

[Denny K]

There are probably many thousands of 6 volt tractors converted to 12 volt (including my 8n 25+ years ago)and the additional voltage has not been a recurrent problem. I haven't put points or plugs in my 8n for about 15 -20 years and use it some in winter and summer.

 

[scolley]

Thanks! Where does the flywheel pick up lubricant. I figure it is the crankcase. Do you think that in time that metal paste will be washed into the drainpan?

 

[scolley]

Hi Denny, was your 6 Volt starter modified when the conversion was done?

 

[Dell (WA)]

scolley.......yer flywheel ring gear should be squeeky clean. Iff'n it bothers you, gittcha summ SPRAY brake cleaner with plastic straw and BEND the plastic straw inna "U" configuration. Now spray yer flywheel ring gear. It may take several spray cans of brake cleaner. After you use 1-can, walk around to yer fanblade on yer carbie side and PULL a blade alittle. Don't worry about run-off 'cuz the BOTTOM of yer tranny housing has 2-drain holes. Also used fer storage of used starter Bendix parts. Also remember yer starter BENDIX must be SQUEEKIE clean. Spray it well too. .......HTH, Dell

 

[NoNewParts]

every tractor I've split has had an amazing amount of muck..grease..critter nests..spare parts..etc in there.
Personally, I'd just make sure my starter drive was clean
and leave the case inside alone until next time I split it.
Trying to clean it out from the outside might contaminate my clutch.....

ps, like said, make sure your drain holes/cotter pins are open
so the oil from the seeping engine rear main seal or trans seal has a place to get out.

 

[scolley]

Thanks Dell!

 

[scolley]

Thanks NoNewParts! Now I have to find the drain holes/cotter pins to be sure they are clear. I have the manual. I guess I can find them in there.

 

[R Geiger]

(quoted from post at 22:30:37 07/14/15)
Thanks NoNewParts! Now I have to find the drain holes/cotter pins to be sure they are clear. I have the manual. I guess I can find them in there.

ou can find the drain holes by crawling under the tractor and looking. LOL Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[Ultradog MN]

I tend to agree.
Trying to spray out the inside of the bell
housing is likely to cause more problems
(clutch) than leaving some grit and oil in
there.
Leave it alone till you split it.

 

[scolley]

Hey Geiger, You mean I'm going to have to use my eyes?! Man, what a hassle! lol

 

[Denny K]

No, has never been touched.