Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

No, the starter pinion gear being simply engaged in the flywheel should not prevent removal, probably just the accumulation of corrosion products between the aluminum block and cast iron starter. Keep soaking with your favorite snake oil and trying to rotate the starter body. It's an old car, lots of patience also needed.

I heated up the area around the starter and continued to lube the surrounding area. After about 8 hours and a full can of rust de-solving penetrating oil, I was able to get about a 1/16" travel and was able to slightly turn it.

I used a small (9" pry bar) and was able to work it around the starter collar. After it was about 1" out, with more lube, I was able to get the balance of the starter out. (It looks like the starter had been painted around the inside of the shaft where it contacts with the aluminum- this might of caused the removal issue)

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

Who is a good 'go to' person/company to get the starter repaired?

Assuming there is no great time urgency, my recommendation would be Jason at AER in Grand Ledge, MI.

aerrebuild.com

The starter grounds where the starter and block make contact; clean both surfaces real good and see if it isn't that.

A more secure ground is probably achieved via the mounting bolt.

Good Morning...You might also consider cleaning the starter shaft...if it is gooey and a bit rusty, the starter gear will not slide on it properly...wipe it clean, sand with 600 or so paper and wipe it clean...it will work better...Ernie in Arizona

Ernie:
You are correct. The starter shaft was all gummed up from the decomposed paint that was done by the prior owner(s). The gunk made it very, very difficult to get the starter out. I ended up heating it to about 300 degrees and used 2 cans of deep creep. Small hand pry-bar helped get it removed after 3 months of effort...

starter needed new brushes (40% left), shaft needed a new bushing (10% left), new bendix spring (30% left), and new strike plate (refurbished 50% left with crack in plate). Everything was cleaned with armature verified to be true and varnish intact.

Can anyone tell me what gloss of black should be on the starter?

Mine has smooth semi-gloss on it but my generator has a mat pebbly finish. I assume it should be mat?

Thanks
Gar

I can't answer with 100% assurance for your specific year, but the Owen-Dyneto starters and generators were typically finished with crinkle-finish semigloss black paint.