Re: A Tale of Two Patricians

Posted by HH56 On 2021/3/10 15:32:55

That is a pinion shift starter so make sure the spring is in good condition and there is no congealed lube or other bind point that might be preventing the solenoid plunger from retracting completely when the solenoid is off. Also verify nothing electrical is being fed back in the start circuit to partially engage the solenoid and try and pull the plunger in a tiny bit. It is also possible the detent which holds the pinion and Bendix parked on the shaft could have failed allowing the pinion to vibrate out. It does almost sound like the pinion is moving outward slightly just enough to touch the flex plate teeth. You might pull the bottom bellhousing cover and see if any shiny places looks fresh and also check the parked distance between the pinion and flex plate.

Also, what about the motor mounts. Could they have possibly deteriorated and allowed the engine to move slightly. I think I see a tiny bit of a shiny wear pattern on the radiator core like the fan might have touched it at some time.