Technical Starter motor keeps kicking out

When my '54 Intl big 6 wants to be temperamental on cold starts it kicks the starter out every time it starts to cough to life but before the engine will actually run. Starter still spins but now disengaged from the flywheel. Turn the key off, try again, same thing, again and again. When it does start and warm up it's fine. What's the cause and is there anything I can do about it?

 

Probably a weak Bendix.

 

Like choffman said, Probably needs a new starter drive "Bendix"

 

Thanks guys. One bump for the morning. The bendix seems to go just fine once you get it warmed up.

 

Like others have said. It is the bendix.

Neal

 

Had a Rambler, did the same thing. changed the starter twice, still, same thing, just like yours, fine once it warmed up. I sold it, without ever finding the cause.

 

A common complaint on old Binders, I have had dozens of them. The trick for me was to keep them in top tune so they started first pop. Or park 'em on a hill!
BTW, if you pull the starter, check the ring gear. If it's worn badly, even a new bendix will do that.

 

^^ Right. It actually started yesterday from dead cold and ran for 15-20 seconds but I didn't leave the choke on long enough and it died. Then the problem started. The engine fires enough to spin faster than the starter, which kicks out the bendix as it should. Will a new one kick back in once the engine stops completely or will it still require turning the key off and on?

Thanks fellas.

 

weak battery or corroded connections will do it to , on the farm it was more of weak batteries from sitting and not running , also check the mechanical advance as if they (weights) kick out from weak springs , it will have to much advance and pop it out when it fires the cylinder. if it will fire without kicking back while cold when you retard the distributor ( 5-10*) more than likely thats your problem .

 

The drive kicks out when the flywheel turns faster than the starter can. If you can get the starter to turn faster it will keep up with the flywheel. You need a starter in good shape, a good battery and good cables. One way to turn the starter faster is to increase the battery voltage. If the 54 is a six volt you can use a second battery to run only the starter on 12 volt so it will keep up with the engine better.

 

Thanks guys. So it's OK to put a 12v battery in it and try starting? Will the ignition system and voltage regulator handle it (both stock)? How long can I run it that way?