KEY WOODRUFF STARTER SHAFT
Woodruff key starter motor shaft
For mounting Bendix drive
Essential Woodruff key for mounting the Bendix drive onto the starter motor shaft. This half-moon shaped fitting key fits into the groove of the motor shaft and prevents the drive from unwanted rotation.
|
Material Steel |
Application Starter motor shaft |
|
Vehicle Willys MB, Ford GPW, CJ-2A, CJ-3A, CJ-3B |
System 6 Volt and 12 Volt starter motors |
Features
- Half-moon shaped construction for precise fitting
- Secures Bendix drive on starter motor shaft
- Prevents loosening during operation
- Applicable to 6V and 12V starter motors
- Small but critical component during starter motor overhaul
★ This Woodruff key is indispensable during overhaul or repair of the starter motor. Replacement is recommended when the key shows signs of wear or damage.
Application
Used on starter motors of Willys MB (1941-1945), Ford GPW (1941-1945), CJ-2A (1945-1949), CJ-3A (1949-1953) and CJ-3B (1953-1964). Fits various 6 Volt original starter motors (including MZ-4113, MZ-4137, MZ-4162) and 12 Volt conversion starter motors.
Installation notes
Slide the Woodruff key into the groove of the starter motor shaft before mounting the Bendix drive. Ensure the key is fully seated in the slot and does not protrude. After installation, check that the Bendix drive can move freely but cannot rotate on the shaft.
Compatibility
Please note: always verify that the dimensions match the groove in your starter motor shaft. When overhauling a starter motor, it is recommended to always fit a new key, even if the old one still appears to be in good condition. Suitable for original Auto-Lite starter motors and most post-war alternatives.
Historical context
The Woodruff key is named after inventor Robert Woodruff and was used as standard in WWII military vehicles for shaft mountings where rotation must be prevented whilst axial movement (as with the Bendix drive) must remain possible.
This description was generated automatically. Unsure about fitment? Contact us at info@willys.be.
⚠ Spotted an error in this description? Report it to info@willys.be
This part is intended for the restoration of historic military vehicles. Fitting, aligning, deburring or reworking is part of that work and is inherent to the nature of these goods. Dimensional variation also exists between original vehicles.
Installation requires technical knowledge of the vehicle. Unsure whether this part suits your version? Ask us before purchase at info@willys.be.
This part fits:
| Model | Years |
|---|---|
| Military jeeps | |
| Willys MB (early) | 1941, 1942 |
| Willys MB | 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945 |
| Ford GPW (early) | 1942 |
| Ford GPW | 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945 |
📐 Diagrams & technical drawings
From the original Technical Manual TM 10-1513 — Maintenance Manual — only for Willys MB / Ford GPW (1942)
