On 3/8/2010 6:09 PM, Bob Swinney wrote: > The starter shaft that moves in and out is leaking oil. Has anyone had > this problem? Probably everyone.
A little history: Originally, no seal was used. the shaft runs in a bronze bushing and only turns when the starter is activated. The flat surface of the drive gear contacts the flat surface of the housing when the starter is idle. a leather washer between the two effectively blocked the flow of oil. when the starter is activated, a slight amount of oil gets behind the washer. When the starter is deactivated, that oil makes its way into the bronze bushing and lubricates it. Any excess oil forms a drip on the end of the shaft and annoys the owner. No doubt, after fielding so many complaints from annoyed owners, someone at either Continental or Delco decided to mill the housing to accept a seal. this eliminated the drip, at leas for as long as testing went on, and hence eliminated the complaints. However, now there is no oil getting through to lubricate the bushing. Fast forward 50 years. The bushings wear to the point where the seal starts leaking, oil gets to the bushing to lubricate it, wear essentially stops, and everyone is happy. Except the owner, who is annoyed... -- John Skyport East www.skyportservices.net
