Cover over Bendix

[Steven collins]

Just started to reassemble the engine/gearbox should there be a cover over the end of the starter motor bendix?
There wasn’t one when stripped down and I cannot find any reference to one. It just seems odd to leave a large hole?
S.

[David Witham]

I used to have a 1966 B with that type of starter and there was no cover. If I remember correctly there is a roll pin that holds the Bendix onto the shaft. The roll pin is a weak point.

[Steven collins]

Thanks David,
Didn’t think there was but you know that the mind plays tricks!!
Always good to get thing’s confirmed.

[Peter Cresswell]

Hi Steven
As the hole faces backwards, the muck can't - or shouldn't - get in, and it does allow the bell housing to ventilate and let dust from the clutch plate wear to escape. Also BMC/BL never had enough budget to be able to fund a bung or better to produce a gearbox casing with a bulge cast into it!

Referring also to your thread about putting the engine back into the car, as you have an inertia starter motor you shouldn't have too much of a problem fitting it (as you seem to have done in the picture here) before trying to put the engine back into the car.
Pete

[Steven collins]

Thank you Peter, all good information 👍