Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I can think of a dozen things that would do this. It would be a very unusual failure mode for a starter (some type of starter lockup with the bendix drive extended-would be very odd). What kind of starter is it?

just remove the belt and that takes the alternator and WP out of the equation- unlikely, but possible.

If it is accessory drive related- alternator, WP or valvetrain etc, the crank should be able to rotate at least a few degrees freely before stopping. Sounds like something is actually seized (rods/mains/pistons) if there is really zero crank rotation. Best of luck.

Agreed... it's all just speculation at this point. I was trying to think of what would cause or result in absolutely no movement. Regardless I'm sorry to hear of the engines demise, and I'm hoping it's something simple!

Well, I’ll be damned if it wasn’t a hung-up bendix in the starter! Best case scenario I’d say. I would never have thought that a little pinion gear could lock up the engine solid.

We’ve all felt the pain of the upper starter bolt so I thought I’d start with simply backing off the bolts. If the bolts were loose, I would be able to see if the starter cocked when I tried to rotate the engine. I put it into 4th and rocked the car and sure enough I heard a ‘ping’ and the bendix returned to the retracted position. Retightened the bolts and it starts fine multiple times.
I do a full investigation after the season (if it makes it) when I pull the engine to do the rebuild/replacement.

Thanks for the suggestions.

As to the starter, many people have had starters fail after only a few weeks. If you can't get the engine turn over by hand well....

Don’t you just love a good ending?

As for that pesky starter bolt, I’ve had good success using several extensions that allowed the ratchet to be placed just forward of the front carb. Takes a variety of extensions to end up in the right place. I have a U20 with Solex’s, so may or may not work with SU’s

Yeah!

GeoffM wrote: Fri Jul 16, 2021 9:09 pm Well, I’ll be damned if it wasn’t a hung-up bendix in the starter! Best case scenario I’d say. I would never have thought that a little pinion gear could lock up the engine solid.

We’ve all felt the pain of the upper starter bolt so I thought I’d start with simply backing off the bolts. If the bolts were loose, I would be able to see if the starter cocked when I tried to rotate the engine. I put it into 4th and rocked the car and sure enough I heard a ‘ping’ and the bendix returned to the retracted position. Retightened the bolts and it starts fine multiple times.
I do a full investigation after the season (if it makes it) when I pull the engine to do the rebuild/replacement.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Well you are going to need plenty of parts for that rebuild, might as well get a few of them ordered from Dean and get in on that free Starter that he is offering for 311s members during July ($200+ orders)

What kind of starter was it? That's a really odd failure...but great that it wasn't the engine!

DAC21 wrote: Sat Jul 17, 2021 2:59 am

GeoffM wrote: Fri Jul 16, 2021 9:09 pm Well, I’ll be damned if it wasn’t a hung-up bendix in the starter! Best case scenario I’d say. I would never have thought that a little pinion gear could lock up the engine solid.

We’ve all felt the pain of the upper starter bolt so I thought I’d start with simply backing off the bolts. If the bolts were loose, I would be able to see if the starter cocked when I tried to rotate the engine. I put it into 4th and rocked the car and sure enough I heard a ‘ping’ and the bendix returned to the retracted position. Retightened the bolts and it starts fine multiple times.
I do a full investigation after the season (if it makes it) when I pull the engine to do the rebuild/replacement.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Well you are going to need plenty of parts for that rebuild, might as well get a few of them ordered from Dean and get in on that free Starter that he is offering for 311s members during July ($200+ orders)

Probably a good idea!

JT68 wrote: Sat Jul 17, 2021 8:49 am What kind of starter was it? That's a really odd failure...but great that it wasn't the engine!

Its’s a Wilson reman. Non-reduction. I’d have to look through my receipts to find the PN. The good thing about it is that it fit through the frame/inner fender gap, although it’s not a permanent magnet motor. It may have been listed for the H20, but I can’t be certain unless I grab the PN.
I haven’t investigated the root cause….ring gear, drive gear etc. Debris? Or maybe a notchy motor shaft spline….whatever it was, the solenoid return spring couldn’t overcome it.

I’ve been procrastinating on a rebuild for quite a few years. A head gasket retorque solved my overheating issues, for now. I also have a major issue with the spark plug threads on cyl #4 to address.

Are you up to build a stroker long block for me

theunz wrote: Fri Jul 16, 2021 11:32 pm Don’t you just love a good ending?

As for that pesky starter bolt, I’ve had good success using several extensions that allowed the ratchet to be placed just forward of the front carb. Takes a variety of extensions to end up in the right place. I have a U20 with Solex’s, so may or may not work with SU’s

With the R16, the best way to get to it is down the gap on the inside of the M/C. You can barely fit your forearm down in the gap, as it scrapes along the rear of the valve cover/ engine lifting lug. You have to use a box end wrench….1/4 of a flat per turn…lol.