> First - the problem occurs when the holders/bulbs are completely out of the
> car connected to a 12v power source
My next step would be to start probing while the "flicker" is happening on the
bench. Does the current go up or down when the lights go out? If it goes
down, there has to be an intermittent connection somewhere, like perhaps the
power lead is broken internally. If it goes up, there must be a short in one
of the holders.
> I do not recall a rubber coupler. Without taking it out, is there a way to
> tell if I have an early or later starter? Lucas Part number on the box was
> 25550 (it was new in box - date stamped July 1968).
25550 is the later style starter. Has an exposed shaft some 6" long with a big
coil spring at the end. That coil spring provides the cushion effect, in place
of the bonded rubber drive used in the earlier starters. The earlier starters
also have a cast iron shroud over the pinion gear. In this link, the upper LH
starter image is the later type, the upper RH is the earlier type.
http://goo.gl/OAVnc
(the photos aren't scaled quite the same, the motor section is about the same
diameter for both of them)
> Is it possible to apply grease without taking it out - or should I just plan
> on taking on this task this Saturday.
Sounds like you'll be busy on Saturday.
> It might be obvious if I was looking
> at the starter - but where?
Turn the pinion gear with your fingers. One direction it should force the
shaft to turn, but the other direction should move the Bendix first. When the
Bendix moves, the gear moves closer to the motor (assuming you have the later
type starter). If it is at all sticky or the shaft turns easier than the
Bendix, then you've got a problem.
You can also test it on the bench using a battery and jumper cables to power
it, but be certain the starter is securely anchored. It's probably best to use
the starter cable from the car to make connection to the post, as otherwise the
high current may damage the post. The Bendix should extend the instant you
apply power to the starter (while it is trying to jump off the bench and land
on your foot).
It's also possible the drive has come apart completely, but hopefully that is
unlikely. Happened to me during a 2000 mile drive many years ago, and by the
time I got home the big spring had exited through the side of the bellhousing,
causing a crack that ruined the entire gearbox housing.
--- Randall
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