I converted my 72 f250 to Automatic. I had a tranny and i bought a flexplate from a guy who said it fit that motor. I bolted it to the crank and it fit perfect. Got everything together and tried cranking her over, but the starter just spun. Looked underneath and the starter gear is too far away from the flexplate. Any help? Thanks

 

Need more info. What motor and transmission are you running?

If it's an FE, I don't think you can get the Flex-PLate on backwards, the bolt pattern is asymetric. There is that "motor plate" piece that goes in between the tranny and motor. You got it? It's only about 1/8" thick.

2nd, your name is a bit confusing. If you're running a 351, you may want to check into that engine forum (this is the FE engine forum).

 

Does the starter gear always line up on the flex plate? I thought it moves forward when needed to turn the motor over then drops back off the plate. If this is the case, when you are under the car, then it will not be lined up if it's not engaged.

--Mike

 

There is a difference in length in starter noses between stick @ auto!!
I HOPE THIS HELPS HOTWRENCH

 

My name is 351wtt because i have a twin turbo 351 mustang. I dont mean that they dont line up in that direction. When the starter spins and comes out it is too far away from the flexplate like the flexplate is too small. Is there another motor this flexplate could have come from?

 

Now I understand!!

I'm not sure, but I thought all FE flex plates were the same diameter. Maybe one of the gurus will check in soon.

I'd be surprised if the bolt pattern is the same betwen different motor series (FE, small blocks and 385s), but I've been surprised before.

 

its a 360 and a c6.thanks

 

360 @ 390 flywheels are 15.55 in across 429 @ 460 flywheels are 14.23 in. across . Same bolt pattern, sounds like you have a 385 series flywheel.
HOPE THIS HELPS !! HOTWRENCH