1941 Plymouth Starter spins but does not engage

[AZJohn]

Hi Brian,

Thank you for your reply.  You just saved me a bunch of time and aggrivation by your question. 

I am fairly new to the old car game and I was just reaching in the engine compartment and depressing the small button on the starter that the lever comes down against.  When I got in the car and pushed on the actual floor button the car turned over just fine.

Thank you for your assistance.

Best regards,

John

[12905]

John:
This is a stupid question, but I have to ask it. Are you sure the linkage to the drive is ok so that when you push down you are actually engaging the drive? If the drive engages, but still does not turn the flywheel then the overrunning clutch in the drive is defective and you will have to replace the drive. This is not a major job and the rest of the starter may be in good shape. Although while you have it apart it will pay to clean it up and make sure the commutator is clean and the brushes are free in their holders.

If the brushes are worn, and need replacing, then get some one to chuck up the armature in a lathe and take a very thin - just a few thou - cut off the commutator to true it up. Under no circumstances undercut the mica between the commutator bars. this is the biggest mistake amateur rebuilders make when overhauling starters. Undercut mica leads so shorted out windings in the future.
Brian

[AZJohn]

Hello,

The starter on my 41 spins freely but will not engage. 

The engine can be turned over manualy using the crank snout. 

Is there a fix that will not require a complete rebuild?

Suggestions?