Only be getting a socket on the front crank nut.

I usually turn an engine by hand by removing the spark plugs and putting a socket on the generator or alternator pulley nut.  If it slips, press on the belt to increase its tension. 

Thanks. I will give it a try. I hope the fan belt holds out. As usual with projects, inside every little problem is a bigger problem struggling for freedom.

Update: Got the engine to turn by hand and everything is rotating fairly smoothly. Hooked up a battery and the starter spins with abandon, but no engagement. Looks like the bendix is stuck. Guessing it's just more of the "nature's locktite" that has been applied to every other exposed surface and fastener thus far.

Plan was to spray with penetrating oil and spin the thing over a few days and see what that accomplishes. The gear seemed to move a bit towards the flywheel by the end of the day. 

Assuming that does not work, the 48-52 shop manual (PDF page 144) says that the bendix can be removed with the starter in place. I am not sure where the fastener is or how this is accomplished. Any of you have a good idea for this? 

Looks like, from front to rear, drive gear, some sort of metal housing and a spring. Is the gear supposed to move towards the flywheel by itself, or does the housing go along for the ride? I am assuming the spring is there to retract the gear from the flywheel once the engine starts?

Thanks again for your help.

The bendix is held in place by a pin through the starter shaft.  The pin is captured by the bendix itself and accessed (if I remember correctly) by compressing the spring on the bendix.  I imagine that it would be easier just to remove the starter and work with it on the workbench if rust/crud of ages is an issue. 

Penetrating oil might free it up, but if you just oil the bendix it will sludge up over a short time and function poorly (my experience).  It needs dry lube (lithium, Teflon, graphite, etc.).

Oklahoma Starter Drive has done a great job rebuilding bendix (starter drive) for me in the past and even sold me a spare:
700 N Main Street
Lexington
OK 73051-9072
Phone: (405) 527-5435

For 1951, 262, with manual-OD transmission the starter drive (Oklahoma Starter Drive) part# is 3-502.  I don't know about the others.

Good luck!

Chris
 

The bendix is held in place by a pin through the starter shaft.  The pin is captured by the bendix itself and accessed (if I remember correctly) by compressing the spring on the bendix.  I imagine that it would be easier just to remove the starter and work with it on the workbench if rust/crud of ages is an issue. 

Penetrating oil might free it up, but if you just oil the bendix it will sludge up over a short time and function poorly (my experience).  It needs dry lube (lithium, Teflon, graphite, etc.).

Oklahoma Starter Drive has done a great job rebuilding bendix (starter drive) for me in the past and even sold me a spare:
700 N Main Street
Lexington
OK 73051-9072
Phone: (405) 527-5435

For 1951, 262, with manual-OD transmission the starter drive (Oklahoma Starter Drive) part# is 3-502.  I don't know about the others.

Good luck!

Chris
 

That number is no longer in service. If anyone needs to contact them, their website has a messaging option.