Re: 30 Model A starter - Help, lost bolt inside housing

Posted by Mike Flanagan on August 19, 1997 at 19:55:02

In Reply to: 30 Model A starter - Help, lost bolt inside housing
posted by David F. Suggs on August 19, 1997 at 15:01:56

David, Paul's advice is sound and I hope it works. I tried the same thing with no cigar. If you have access to Vol 1 of How To Restore Your Model A turn to page 38 and study the cutaway of the Model A engine. This bolt must be retrieved, whatever the means. Jacking the car up on the passenger side and putting the wheels on blocks may move the bolt around the housing enough to retrieve with wire or magnet. While the car is slanted if you have an air hammer or chipper to vibrate the Flywheel housing this may work the bolt to the lowest point. Once you have exhausted all other alternatives and have resigned yourself to "rippin' and tearin'" try wedging a rag between the flywheel and housing and somehow securing to the rotating piece. Then crank the engine by hand (backwards) so that the rag will go full circle and hopefully wipe the bolt up and carry it to the starter port. I have not tried this but was almost to the point when the wire worked. I say to do this last because the rag may become lost inside and if Murphy's Law is still in force when the rag is lost the bolt will be found.

Even if it means removing the engine or drive train get this bolt. I once knew a fellow that installed his freshly overhauled engine and was about to start reassembling the car when he noticed the flywheel stud retainer laying under the edge of his work bench. Nuts! That's what history records General McAullife as having said in response to ultimatums to surrender at Bastogne. Personally I think he told them the same thing this fellow told that retainer. Not suitable for print!!! That's when this fellow started calling himself the Model A Fool. After he removed the engine to install the insignificant little retainer! A lot of work for a little bolt but you'll forever drive with your teeth clinched if you don't get it...!

Are we havin' fun yet???????

God Speed Under 50.

Mike Flanagan, The Model A Fool.

: The starter on my 1930 Model A was not engaging, only spinning. I removed the starter and heard a clunk, one of the bolts that holds the end of the spring on the shaft had worked loose and apparently fell inside the flywheel housing(?). I have tried to fish it out with a magnet on a stiff wire, reaching through the opening for the starter. No luck yet. Any suggestions?
: Thank you,
: David F. Suggs




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