Starter block material

[BillT]

'52 CJ3-3A, original engine with foot start starter motor. The hole for the foot start push rod is worn out in the starter block (#647940) causing some slop and alignment problems with the starter motors start button. I see that various woods have been used to make the blocks. I'm wondering what material you may have used that would not wear out quickly?

And, thank you, but I am not interested in modding to a solenoid/push button start system. I like her just the way she is.

[Rus Curtis]

BillT,
I've read about them.  This is some of the info I've seen:
https://cj3a.info/tech/sblock.html

It shows a progression through different materials:

"It was made from tempered masonite. Within months of being released, on 11/12/1948, the material was changed to "Wood - white oak, yellow birch or hard maple.....it was quickly changed again on 1/26/1949 to "Waterproof glued plywood (gumwood)"

With a pattern available, you could cut out several and have replacement stock ready to go.  I'm thinking the hardwood or plywood would last longer if it had multiple coats of something like urethane.

[BillT]

Hi Russ ... thanks for the info.

I have been doing some research on the blocks and it doesn’t sound like any of them last very long. I am hoping to find a man made material that would hold up better.

 Back when I got paid for working the company had a service contract with a manufacturing company. We worked out of the maintenance department and I noticed they used a very hard white plastic like material for various task. Thickness varied. They would drill and tap it, cut it and shape it. Seemed to be a very versatile material, I just cannot recall the name of it. Maybe someone here is familiar with this product. And if so, would this be the material to use for this job?

[Rus Curtis]

Hi Russ ... thanks for the info.

I have been doing some research on the blocks and it doesn’t sound like any of them last very long. I am hoping to find a man made material that would hold up better.

 Back when I got paid for working the company had a service contract with a manufacturing company. We worked out of the maintenance department and I noticed they used a very hard white plastic like material for various task. Thickness varied. They would drill and tap it, cut it and shape it. Seemed to be a very versatile material, I just cannot recall the name of it. Maybe someone here is familiar with this product. And if so, would this be the material to use for this job?

I think you should go full-tilt and 3-D print it!!

[BillT]

Rus ‘about all I know about 3-D is that you have to wear special glasses to see it.lol

[SteveKfl]

From outside the box... What about a cutting board material wood, or otherwise, from a thrift store?  Hard enough to resist cutting and/or wear, and you could make several blocks from just one.  Then maybe you could start your own "block supply service" with the extras???

[BillT]

Good idea Steve.if I can find something 1/4” thick or slightly thicker I’ll give it a try.

[SteveKfl]

OK, so maybe one of these two providers have "scraps" available if you contact them explaining your need???  Or do you have one of the "Dollar Stores" in your area, or maybe a Target, Walmart, ACE hardware etc, or maybe a Good Will store???  Dollar Tree lists some of bamboo or plastic with "thickness unstated" online but you'd have to buy a case of 24, but, that means they may have them to sell individually in the stores.  Happy Hunting.
 
https://www.plasticcuttingboards.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpaO1xPju8QIVv3NvBB3EKQApEAAYASAAEgJ2PPD_BwE
 
https://www.cuttingboardcompany.com/1-4-inch-white-cutting-board/

[Mark W.]

Micarta would be outstanding in this application. Look to a Custom Knifemakers supply for a source. Can be cut and machined easier then wood as there is no grain. Stable up to about 300 degrees water is its best lubricant. And you can't break a 1/4" x 2" strip of it with your bare hands.

I've made hundreds of things from it.

[BillT]

Steve and Mark thanks for the suggestions and comments. The cutting boards are a great idea, also the micarta. I did a search for micarta and found some with minimum cutting on Amazon.I think either one of these products should do the job. Thanks guys.

[OnlyOneDR]

The white plastic material was most likely either Delrin or HDPE.  Either would be good for this although HDPE is a bit slicker so it might not ever need lubrication.

[BillT]

Thanks for the info OnlyOneDR. I like the idea of the slickness of the HDPE. I will give the material a look-see.

I have a piece of 3/8' micarta I am going to try. It is a little thicker, should be 1/4", and I'm hoping the extra depth will help keep the push rod inline with the starter button.