FX-1 Loud knock noise when turning over

[Polish jet pilot]

701 not a hard engine to learn on. Note about bendix: all teeth might be ok buy the mechanism that "opens it" might be shot. Good luck, hopefully around 50-100 usd fix

 

[chadetroit]

Bendix questions. Should it fully disengage from the flywheel or does it always have contact even if just slightly when it retracts back. I'm trying to figure out how to tell if a bendix is bad or not. Not sure even after I pull it if I would be able to tell.

 

[Matt_E]

It should fully retract.

 

[chadetroit]

maybe that is a sign then. it always is in contact with the flywheel. Either fully engaged or when it retracts it still has about .03" contact.

 

[Matt_E]

Not good.

 

[chadetroit]

Thanks Matt. Well at least I'll get all the gremlin's out for the new owner.

 

[Matt_E]

Check your flywheel cover.
There should be a spring inside the bushing for the bendix. A missing spring can cause this.

 

[chadetroit]

Not much progress. Put the cylinder and head back on. Dropped a rope down the spark hole to lock the crank. Have been unsuccessful at budging the flywheel bolt. I have an impact but I think it is too week and can't get a real good bite on it with a 1/2 drive socket or a closed end wrench as it wants to twist off the bolt anytime I try to use two hands for leverage on the handle. Thinking I might have to pull the engine and take it to a shop to see if a better impact/compressor combo will crack it.

 

[Polish jet pilot]

Forcing it with ropes etc might damage the crank - be easy on it. I am now almost sure that the issue is the bendix, as Matt said - must fully retract. Once you pull it out the spring mechnism should be "strong" not sloppy, you will feel whether it is ok or not. Godd luck.

 

[Waternut]

If the problem is the bendix not retracting and you ran your engine like that, you really need to check the starter because that thing will have some major wear on it.

 

[chadetroit]

Thanks guys. I've been shirt on time with the holidays and all but bought a heavier duty impact, took out the gas tank and got a nice straight shot at the flywheel. Viola the bolt came out. Now just need to steal a couple of head bolts, I think, to use in the flywheel with the puller I bought in order to free up the flywheel. Once that is out, I should be able to turn my crank more freely, correct? To see if the bendix is what was binding things up. I'll also check the starter.

 

[NVJAY775]

There's also the possibility of the stator coming loose behind the flywheel. That will make a knocking noise when the flywheel hits it, but not sure on the auto start issue. My stator has come loose a couple times. (getting ready to check for bent crank, or something after Christmas)

 

[chadetroit]

Flywheel off. Stator was secure. Bendix definitely bad, has a sticking point so it does not fully retract. With all of that out was able to turn the coupler nice and easy and everything feels smooth. I'm going to contact mr jetmaniac and get myself a few gaskets, jss coil and bendix and hopefully get her back into tip top shape.

Anything I should do upon re-assembly. I know waterproof grease on bendix ends should I oil up anything else crank, pistons before full assembly?

Really appreciate everyone who has chimed in, it has made moving forward with each step a lot easier knowing I have some backing and I've learned quite a bit along the way. Thanks!

 

[junkyardj]

i would take a look at your starter too

 

[chadetroit]

Thanks I'll check it out.

i would take a look at your starter too

 

[Andrew1289]

If you took the cylinder off its probably a smart idea to just throw a set of new rings on the used pistons, at the least. There cheap and your already there. I'd have the cylinder measured and honed as well as "check the ring and gaps."

 

[Polish jet pilot]

+ do the oil seals on the crank - if that boat has some seaosn on it without taking apart the motor that would be beneficial in the long term. In such a way you get ridd off the possibility of an air leak (bad thing).

 

[chadetroit]

Just an update. Finally all back together. Pulled the engine and in doing so broke two of the heads off from the rear motor mount. Took a good day to work them out finally had to take the hull to an exhaust shop and have them mig weld a nut on the leftover stud to get it out of there. Quite a hassel, those things were really bound up in there for some reason. Anyway Boat is all back together with minty bendix, starter, coil and relay. Purrs like a kitten and and it was good practice for my other project fx-1. to be started soon. Thanks again for all the advice and help

 

[Polish jet pilot]

Cool! Ride on!