Stuck engine - starter pinion troubles!

[Markjames]

Not so much a question, but a bit of info for others.

Went to our '53 4-door this morning to take some friends that had been staying to the station, but it wouldn't start! The engine wouldn't turn over at all and I nearly bent the starting handle trying to get it to turn over. I took out the plugs to see if there had been water in the cylinders (unlikey, but all that I could imagine would be wrong) but nothing looked untoward at all. I put the car in gear and rocked it back and forth and the engine didn't shift at all. Then I retreated to the house in a fit of depression and shell shock for a cup of tea....! It was looking like an engine strip down job to me.
This afternoon I thought I'd have another look. Could it be the starter motor? Put a small spanner on the square drive at the front end of the starter motor and gave a small turn. Hey Presto! The engine would turn over easily with the starting handle so I climbed in, pulled the starter cable and it turned over and fired up easily as normal!!! Talk about deep joy! Followed on with a lovely drive on this sunny, warmish evening! Marvellous!
I'm just amazed that something so small could cause the engine to totally lock up. I've work on engines and machinery for years but have never come across this before. Obviously the starter pinion is did not disengage as it should, but now it seems absolutely fine again. Maybe take the starter motor off and take a look at the pinion at some stage.
So, the advice is, always make sure you have a small spanner - 7/16" I think - to hand so you can wind the starter motor back should you have similar issues. And don't panic or get too worried if you experience similar issues - it probably isn't too serious and after all, it's only a car (though a small quirky classic!)

Mark

[mike.perry]

If it is going to break down it will do it when you have an audience.

[bmcecosse]

Take it off - clean the pinion threads and inspect the bendix for any cracking. DO NOT oil it!

[rayofleamington]

Only had this once - on disastermog (had it 11 years and repaired everything atleast twice)
I went to collect a takeaway with gf - guy in the restaurant loved the car, and I said it's actually a bit unreliable..

Went back out and starter jammed in the ring gear. Rocking in gear wouldn't free it up so got on the starter shaft with some pliers - I couldn't free it completely but ithelped enough to get it free next time rocking in gear.

Obviously the car had heard my criticism and paid me back, right on cue!