starter motor return spring

[southerly95]

How strong should the starter motor return spring be please, the bendix moves down the shaft towards the motor ok but very slow to return. Thanks, John

[aupickup]

keep it free frpm oil grease etc
it will fly back on its own

[mogbob]

John
As aupickup says it's probably dirt on the shaft/ bendix/ spring.
A thorough clean up of everything external to the main body of the starter
is called for.Prop the body end up slightly with a small block of wood and douse
the shaft with degreaser/ white spirit/ meths, whatever is to hand , with
an old paint brush and dry thoroughly.

Run the the bendix up and down the shaft to check it is now free and returns easily.
If still no joy, post again with an update.
Worth checking the state of the electrical brushes whilst it's off the car if you haven't already done so.
Bob

[stevey]

grafite on the bendix sometimes helps, but dont grease it.

[aupickup]

really best to keep it all clean, do not put anything on the bendix

[southerly95]

Problem was it was starting the engine and not disengaging. This is a recon Lucas unit and still looks spotlessly new after being replaced 18 months ago. It felt like the bendix was 'stiff' moving over the thread as though there was a high spot somewhere. I washed the threads with spirit then dried them off - it has cured it. Thanks, for replies, regards, John

[mogbob]

John

Good work John, now you can get in the car and enjoy the sunshine !!

Bob