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Starter motor pinion cover

Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2020 2:54 pm
by Morris
Stupidly I didn't retain the starter motor pinion cover that I need for the Ford T9 gearbox conversation.

The only one I can find is in the US...

Does anyone have one that I can buy from them?

Many thanks.

Morris.

Re: Starter motor pinion cover

Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2020 6:47 pm
by Westfield 129
There is a pinion cover for the starter? My three T9 kits didn't have such a thing.
But then...
I used a geared Hitachi starter (I use "British Starters" conversions), so I didn't need to bore a hole in the bell housing to clear the Bendix. But I did have to cut a chunk off the starter cavity housing so that it would not rattle against the chassis.
Let me know if you need a picture of the cut. I used a Sawzall to chop the offending piece off. This does leave an opening in the starter cavity (but no rattle). So far, in 12 years, there hasn't been a problem, but then I have not been using a sticky Bendix. This cut was necessary for both RHD and LHD chassis.

Re: Starter motor pinion cover

Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2020 10:38 am
by Morris
Unfortunately no instructions come with the T9 conversation kit, but those from 'Frontline Developments' say to remove the Bendix cover from the MG bellhousing, then to use it as a template to drill the three attachment holes into the new bellhousing.

Covers by themselves are like hen's teeth, with only one available separately here in the UK and one in the US. I've now machined my own from aluminium (also saving myself a rediculous £30 for one of the used items!).

I've seen that some builders have had to cut away some of the starter pocket, but a trial fit of mine in the car doesn't show any clashes with the chassis. I wonder whether WSC has adjusted the engine mount position to sort this (my chassis is almost 2 years old now). I'll know for sure once I re-assemble the parts and lift the engine back in.

Btw, what happened to your US yahoo XI site, did you ever transfer it to another host? I miss as it as I found the photos very useful as reference material.

Morris.

Re: Starter motor pinion cover

Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2020 5:08 pm
by Westfield 129
As I recall, I just bolted on my geared starter. No holes to drill. The kit I was using was the Westfield kit.

I have all the pictures, but I didn't re establish the US site. I do have a bunch of information that could be put up here if there was a place for it.
I may re establish both my sites (Renault R5 Turbo and Westfield 11), but I have not found any place to put it. I should probably try harder. Perhaps when I finish the work on the R5 Turbo and send it home.

If there is anything you need, please let me know and I will break out the CD and send you any pictures that cover your project .

Re: Starter motor pinion cover

Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2020 11:16 am
by Morris
Thank you Jan.

There are no photos in particular that I need to refer to. They were good for inspiration when it was an effort to go into the cold garage to get some work on the car done :D .

The bellhousing in my Westfield conversation kit came with a 45 mm diameter hole at the end of the starter pocket that the (Bendix) pinion pokes through (by about 40 mm). I can't leave it open as mess from the road is sure to get in and jam up the mechanism.

Re: Starter motor pinion cover

Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2020 9:23 pm
by Westfield 129
I would just bend some sheet alloy into a box and trim to fit. Drill your own holes for self tapping screws. Not really difficult with a cheap metal break.
Do the shape in cardboard first, then trim and bend your sheet metal. I taught myself to do this to make a box over the pedal quadrant to keep the hot air out of the footwell in my LHD W11.
Or... Just not use a Bendix equipped starter and put a rubber cover in the hole. The gear starters have a solenoid that engages the pinion prior to starter spinning. No sticking Bendix and about 10 lbs lighter, with about twice the torque.

Re: Starter motor pinion cover

Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2020 6:56 pm
by Morris
I was put off the high torque starters by the high prices (£220) so I'm staying with the Bendix at least for the meantime.

In the end I turned a couple of ends (one with a flange) and welded them together with some aluminium sheet. I've drilled and tapped 3 off M5 holes into the bellhousing for attachment.