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Early RD4 starter pinion latch adjustment

Early RD4 starter pinion latch adjustment

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CrawlerAddict
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Curious if someone has a tip for gaining access to adjust the starter pinion latches on an early RD4 without having to remove the entire thing and hope you get the adjustment right. Since it doesn't have the little round access cover I'm wondering if taking the clutch adjustment cover off the bottom of the bellhousing and maybe get at them with a long screwdriver? Can't seem to find much info with the manuals I have on hand.

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CrawlerAddict

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Mon, Jun 1, 2026 10:26 PM
juiceman
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Interesting thread. I am curious as well. Same goes for some older D2's? It can be difficult enough to adjust latches where the dinky access cover is located, smack dab in line with the dash panels! I wonder if anyone has a secret method of adjusting. JM

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Sat, Jun 6, 2026 2:04 PM
AARON LAOL
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I remember we rode the struggle bus with this. Can't remember the video though. It can be done.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpILupPXfSUetU_KN9L65QotnMqzzf-dS&si=_cW7limOLl5VXbYL

Cataholic!

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Sat, Jun 6, 2026 6:09 PM
AARON LAOL
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Pretty sure we went through the plug hole in the top. It is tedious but it works.

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Sun, Jun 7, 2026 7:26 AM
neil
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CrawlerAddict, it's easy enough to drill a hole in the cover so you can adjust the latches. I drilled the electric starter hole in my 5U and it only took maybe 5 mins or less with a regular holesaw from the hardware store. Drill and tap a couple of holes and fashion a cover out of sheet and you're good to go. The only complication I can see is if it's hard to get the right angle with the drill but I'm sure you can figure something out. As annoying small as the OEM hole is, it's better than having no hole and you'd have the benefit of being able to maybe make it a bit bigger than standard

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Sun, Jun 7, 2026 3:06 PM
juiceman
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There is no OEM hole folks...I asked a seasoned mechanic and he was stumped as well. Hang on to the pinion lever!

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Sun, Jun 7, 2026 3:43 PM
neil
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What I meant is that the OEM hole on later machines is small, so since this RD-4 doesn't have a hole, he can put whatever size he wants in. The more generous he can drill it, the easier it will be to adjust. The D2 hole size is real difficult for my XXXL hands

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Sun, Jun 7, 2026 11:07 PM
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