Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi all,

I am re assembling the pinion and barrel on the starter motor but I am not sure if I should oil that area. I seem to remember that it should remain "dry".
Perhaps very thin oil?

Cheers,

Rein

Dry as a bone, or rub a lead pencil onto the contact areas for super smooth operation

Agreed, or if you happen to have some use graphite powder as all the oil will do is attract the dirt and any bits of grit.

Thanks.
I will organize some graphite powder.

Dry is best! It will be fine.

Try some of that aerosol spray with PTFE in it - seems to dry very slippery

Thanks all,

I did put some graphite powder on the pinion and barrel. The starter motor is in the car now and works fine. I understand that it is important to keep the pinion and barrel dry so it doesn't "clog up". I was worried about rust, but I suppose the warm and dry environment in the bell housing will prevent the pinion and barrel to rust.

I was worried about rust, but I suppose the warm and dry environment in the bell housing will prevent the pinion and barrel to rust.

I think you are probably right as I have not seen a rusty one just sticky ones where someone has put grease or oil.