Engine: Starter Bendix

[dclewallen]

I'm having trouble with the starter on my 53 K body 289 V8 [12 volt manual trans]. I see them for sale on Stude parts sites. Are they peculiar to studebaker or can I obtain one from my local; rebuilder? Thanks, Darryl

[StudeRich]

You would have to know if the Starter you have is a '56-'61 Stude. V-8 Delco Starter or a '62-'64 Prestolite or Autolite (same).

The Bendix' ARE different. Yes the Bendix Rebuilder specialists would have them even for Stude. possibly because they cross on Delco to GM and on Prestolite/Autolite to Chrysler. Auto Parts Stores are NOT experts on Electrical Parts, not your best source, don't bother with them ever.

If you asked a Stude. Vendor at: studebakervendors.com for a Std. Trans. Delco or Prestolite Bendix and knew which you need, you would also get a unit that works correctly.

[dclewallen]

I know it's a deco 12-volt for an automatic

[dclewallen]

correction manual transmission

[StudeRich]

I saw that in your first post, that's why I said Standard Trans.

Quote: If you asked a Stude. Vendor at: studebakervendors.com for a Std. Trans. Delco or Prestolite Bendix and knew which you need, you would also get a unit that works correctly.

[dclewallen]

THANK YOU , StudeRich, Darryl

[Studebakercenteroforegon]

A correction is in order regarding Delco starter drives. StudeRich stated '56 to '61 Delco starters, but only the very earliest '61 production (approximately the first 1,000 vehicles less Automatic Transmission, and the first 300 vehicles with Automatic Transmission) used the same starter drive as was used on '56 - '60. The balance of '61 Delco production used a different starter drive - but guess what - it is the same drive as used on '62 - '64 Prestolite starters! The parts catalog describes the 1961 early starters as having the Bendix keyed to the armature shaft, and the 1961 later starters as having the Bendix pinned to yhe armature shaft. Also, the '61 only Delco starters are somewhat shorter in overall length than the earlier ones, so they are nice to have since they fit into a already crowded area.