580K Cummings Diesel Start problems

[MaryR]

Hi everyone! We have a 1988 case 580k Cummings diesel with a starting problem. Replaced OEM starter about 5 years ago. 580 ran flawlessly for about 3 years then wouldn't start. Replaced starter again with OEM and ran flawlessly till now. Batteries measure fully charged, voltage drops look good, but it looks like bendix gear is extending but not fully engaging fly wheel and appears the gear is collapsing the spring on the bendix shift, possibility contacting the fly wheel? Any suggestions on what changed, and how can this be corrected? Thanks! Mary

 

[Dave Neubert]

Bad starter drive

 

[MaryR]

@Dave Neubert...Can the starter drive be rebuilt, or will a new starter need to be purchased? Is this caused by something or just poor quality parts? Those starters are costly to only last a couple of years. Thanks!

 

[Tinkerer]

Welcome to HEF, MaryR !

 

[Tinkerer]

Since it is a reoccurring problem the solenoid for some reason may not have enough stroke to pull the bendix all the way to the correct engagement.
With the correct OEM bendix drive and starter installed you need to determine if the bendix is fully engaging the ring-gear.
You can use the same compound that is used to check ring and pinion gear contact pattern.
A thin coat of paint could also be used.

 

[Vetech63]

Inspect the ring gear also, all the way around. They are famous for teeth failure.

 

[Dave Neubert]

The starter drive can be replaced like others said check ring gear and check to see if drive is engaging enough you should be able to look at the starter drive gear and see if it has a wear pattern across the whole tooth.

 

[MaryR]

Thank you for all the suggestions! We are planning on checking these and any other suggestions that you have over the weekend. Thanks again!

 

[JBrady]

in my experience, aftermarket starters are only good for 1-3 years. If you still have the OEM one, it can be rebuilt by an auto electric shop. I think that is the way to go.

 

[Coy Lancaster]

Which starter are you using? Is it the Denso gear reduction starter or the Bosch direct drive starter?

 

[MaryR]

Which starter are you using? Is it the Denso gear reduction starter or the Bosch direct drive starter?

@Coy Lancaster Not sure which type of starter it is...we got it from the case dealer and it was an OEM part. Is there a way to tell which one they sold us?

 

[Coy Lancaster]

Ok it was a question I thought should be asked.

 

[Tinkerer]

MaryR; The Denso gear reduction starter has a very distinctive profile. This image is a Denso.