VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Electrical - 6 volt Starter Problems

I just bought a 1940 Chevy 2 door sedan. It hasn't run in 40 years. Did all the basic stuff to prepare to start it. Tired it today and the starter motor just spins it will not engage. Any suggestions?

Take the starter apart and look at (and probably replace) the starter drive. It is the piece with the gear on it.

This part has an overrunning clutch inside. A good one will turn or slip one way, but lock up when you try to turn it up the other way. You can double check this once it is in your hand.

Gary --

I agree with Bloo, but I'd like to be more specific. Since you car has been sitting for so long, it is very likely that the Bendix drive on the starter has rusted up a bit and is not free to engage the flywheel when the starter spins up. The fix is easy and cheap. Just disconnect the battery (to avoid ugly shorts and sparks), then remove the battery cable from the starter. Next, back out the two bolts attaching the starter to the flywheel housing and remove the starter from the car. Then, spray some WD-40 or PB Blaster on the threads of the Bendix, tap it a few times with a hammer and a screwdriver, run it back and forth a couple of times and reinstall. I'd bet money that will solve the problem. Hope that helps.

All the Best, Chip

Think I got it. I didn't realize how it worked until i removed the starter. I was just pushing in on the switch alone. Now I see the linkage arm actually moves the bendix gear.

Now that you have the car, buy yourself a copy of the GM issued SERVICE MANUAL for your specific car. It’s the best money you can spend.