79 starter problem fixed
 

I've been having on and off problems with my starter.....been push starting quite a bit lately. I could hear the solenoid clicking. Sometimes if I clicked it 10-15 times it would crank over. Other times it would start the motor but not engage. I have a push button start and only use the key to put it in the on position. I decided to pull it last Sunday and check everything out. I took the solenoid off and noticed a lever it connects to. It is the lever that throws out the gear to catch the flywheel. It was really hard to push back and forth so I decided to go a little further. I pulled the motor apart and confirmed that the throw out mechanism was tight. I began to pull it apart (not knowing what to expect) and surprise....about ten little ball bearing came flying out! Luckily I was able to find them all. I noticed that the mechanism had grease or lube at one time and it was all dried out. I threw some bearing grease on it (not too much) and just enough to hold the bearings in place while I reassembled. Worked it over a little bit until it moved easily and then reassembled everything and it has been working perfectly ever since.

cool glad you got the starter figured out, Keep Em Flying!

wow, I had the exact problem to the letter (even the push button start). I bought a hi-torq starter. Mine is also a '79 HA. (auto)

-Anthony.

Where is your push button located??...mine is under the dash where the wiper delay is....PO drilled a hole and mounted it there. I'm not sure I like it there, but don't know where else to put it. I do like the push button start though...