starter sometimes not engaging after rebuild

[skithis]

I just rebuilt my motor from ground up but now im having issues with the starter every once in a while. It will spool up but not crank the engine. I greased everything when I put it back together and I had no problems last year. What could be the problem?

 

[Speedfreak]

Did you not replace the starter bendix? That is the problem. I have heard that you can soak them in transmission fluid or oil for a week and they will work but it isn't worth the effort to me. If it's a few years old and I have to take it apart for any reason I replace it. Just a good piece of mind

 

[Shifty]

Is your battery in good shape, battery cables, solenoid, starter?

And don't rule out the ring gear slipping on the flywheel.....

 

[5810]

Bendix.... mine does it all the time, usually after 2-3 tries it cranks, when it fails to start the motor then ill replace mine lol.

 

[Waveblaster785]

If your bendix is sticking, make sure the flywheel cover is making a good seal. After my rebuild I had a tiny leak somewhere and just that little moisture would allow surface rust to build on the bendix if I didn't start it for a few days, and it wouldn't engage. Took it apart, cleaned it, and put some 1211 on the flywheel cover and it's been great since.

*knock on wood*