Anybody that was in the paddock at Hay would have heard the Twinky start. It made everybody look.

Pulled the starter out to inspect, though it could have been a dead starter. But, a lot more was revealed, the gear on the starter did show signs of wear, but everything seemed to turn smoothly. A close look at the flywheel revealed the real problem. In one section the starter gear was running across the top of the flywheel teeth. End result one dead MED U/L steel flywheel and maybe starter if the gear can't be changed.

Both the MED flywheel assembly and Hi torque starter were purchased from MED as a pre-engaged "set". (approx 2.5 years ago)

Has anybody had a similar issue with the MED u/l flywheel?

In the good section of the flywheel doesn't appear to be a lot of snug mesh. (disregard the nut behind the starter gear it was put there to engage the gear for photos)


In the bad section tops of teeth worn off.


Hi-Torque starter from MED but probably chinese.


What do you think has caused the damage?


Thanks

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Dalmeny

Is it just me but there looks to be a fair bit more clearance between the clutch housing and the flywheel teeth in the 2nd photo than in the first, it could just be the camera angle.

Not sure about the MED flywheel but don't starter rings get sweated on? ie heat it up till it expands then put the ring on the flywheel as it cools it tightens and locks.

Would it be possible to compare starter gears with a genuine one or something? the starter looks centralised in the hole so maybe the starter gear isn't big enough?

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Roads need more corners
A Deluxe(CG13DE), 2 Clubbies(998 and 1275) and 2 Morris 1100Ss

Looks to me like the pinion is too small, it is not meshing properly even in the top photo. In the bottom photo it has chewed the tops off the ring gear teeth due to this same thing.
IMO, the ring gear looks to be too soft if this happens. I have seen some recent ring gears get bad wear with low mileage after installation.
Maybe its material or heat treatment is crap.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

I think that the starter has the mount holes drilled in the wrong spot. This has put the starter centre line too far away from the flywheel centre line. Poor mesh has allowed the tips of the gears to collide leading to the damage. Ring gears are always damaged more in one spot. It is where the engine tends to stop with the same piston on compression.

M

Pinion gear looks like the wrong profile.

May I ask what filter housing are you using. Looks non mini.

Kiwiinwgtn

i have seen a number of MED ultra lite flywheels and no problems as such, quite a good bit of kit in my opinion, but that is not to say production variables don't exist. Regarding pre -engaged vs interia- would they have differing chamfers for 10 vs 9 tooth pinion, just a possibility No idea really

yep, sounded very yukky!

I'd send the photos to MED and ask them... maybe they'll send you a new set

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did I tell you that I won a trophy?

Just a Ryco Z418 on a spin on housing.

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Dalmeny

The circular shoulder on the starter fits perfectly into the flywheel housing hole.

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Dalmeny

I assumed the suppler would supply bits that work together. Been in touch with MED waiting for a reply.

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Dalmeny

Did that Simon, here's hoping!

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Dalmeny

Can i count? Is that an 11 tooth pinion???

Same, 11


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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100% Pure A Series Turbo
Morris - The Original RedBull Racing

Yes, it's 11 tooth, but it is a pre-engage set up. What's normal?

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Dalmeny

i count 9 teeth, factory starter from 1998.
if needed, outside diameter is 25,4mm

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Rover 214 atm ....