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Jun 29, 2011 | 09:45 AM

remhaust

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Senior User

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 317

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From: Bismarck,ND

52 starter problems!

Does anyone know of a remedy for fixing the starter jaming. Its the 6V starer converted to 12V system and worked great for a year, now keeps jamming or sticking all the time. If theres know good fix possable starters.I found sum at Macs and speedway, what do u guys think. Thanks again to everyone.

Jun 29, 2011 | 10:47 AM

51PanelMan

Lead Driver

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 7,669

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From: San Jose, CA

Is it a 215 inline 6 or a 239 flathead 8?

Have you checked the starter gear, spring on the starter gear, and flywheel?

Jun 29, 2011 | 10:55 AM

remhaust

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 317

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From: Bismarck,ND

its a 239 V8

Jun 29, 2011 | 11:19 AM

51PanelMan

Lead Driver

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 7,669

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From: San Jose, CA

Check the starter gear and spring on the starter. It's likely a bad spring. Replacement should be available at your local NAPA store or through any repro parts vendor.

Jul 1, 2011 | 01:48 AM

remhaust

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 317

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From: Bismarck,ND

Everything looks fine, is there a way to adjust spring?I have searched to find similar problems and seems to happen alot, but no actual fix or why it happens. Dont really want to get a new starter if it still works just stick or jams,but cant see what or y its sticking.

Jul 1, 2011 | 09:50 AM

tinman52

Welder User

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 5,269

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From: northwest MT

The problem is usually the flywheel ring gear.....the teeth get worn down and the starter drive gear wedges into them. 12 volts makes it worse because now the drive is slamming in even harder. Only real remedy is to replace the ring gear.

As a kid, "helping" my dad work on his old Fords, I remember him heating up the ring gear with a torch and turning it 90 degrees on the flywheel so it would "wear" in a different spot with better teeth.....

Jul 1, 2011 | 10:50 AM

ALBUQ F-1

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 27,294

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From: NM

For an alternative, I use a gear reduction starter. It engages the front of the ring gear, so it is hitting like-new teeth. I've never had a single problem, and it really is as big of an upgrade as an alternator -- you just don't notice it as much. It was about $150. You do have to do some re-wiring to use them, tho.