starter bendix rusts up

[tichmarshjohn]

Hi can any one help My starter bendix rusts up if i do not start the engine for a few weeks .I take the starter off clean and free it refit it, but if i do not start it for a week or so it will rust up starter spins over but the the cog sezes on the shaft.I have cleand it up with a wire brush coverd the bendix with gress & oil ,but after it spins a few times it throughs it off.This weekend i am going to put a hot air gun in the starter hole for a hour or to to see i can get rid of any damp ,i do not seem to have any water in the bell housing.Any advise or sugetions will be a help. thanks JOHN

 

[bulto]

Cleann the helical shaft and bendix and then lubricate with powdered graphite not grease.

 

[vyv_cox]

It's the grease and oil that are contributing to the problem. As suggested by bulto you could use powdered graphite, although I don't know where you would get it other than grinding up pencils. Dry lubricants include PTFE and silicone sprays.

 

[Daydream believer]

Powdered graphite-where
A locksmith perhaps?

 

[rob2]

A proper locksmith will stock graphite powder. I have a pack of C.K. origin, cost me £3.20. I doubt that any of the "DIY" chains would have it though, but old style hardware stores might. Luckily we have both in beautiful Blazingsmoke!

Rob.

 

[tichmarshjohn]

Thank you all i have orderd graphite powder on ebay.Do i clean all the oil of with thinners and just spray the bendix with the graphite.

 

[rob2]

I'd be inclined to get the whole thing as clean, dry and as near polished as I could then spray on the graphite.

Rob.

 

[RogerMayne]

Had the same problem on my starter motor, drilled a hole in the housing so I can spray bendix with a straw on a wd40 can. Not had to do anything to it since then apart from spray it when I leave the boat.

 

[tichmarshjohn]

Hi i will let you know how i get on with the graphite powder