360 Starter Install Problems
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New User
Joined: Dec 2011
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360 Starter Install Problems
Putting headers on my 360 and took the opportunity to replace the starter. Nothing was wrong with it but I wanted to replace it before putting the headers on since access would be an issue after.
Anyway, the darn thing won't go on again. It seems impossible to seat correctly, the top just won't engage. It stays about 1/16" from seating all the way. Any ideas of suggestions?
Anyway, the darn thing won't go on again. It seems impossible to seat correctly, the top just won't engage. It stays about 1/16" from seating all the way. Any ideas of suggestions?
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,592
Likes: 10
From: **** hole San Jose ca.
Putting headers on my 360 and took the opportunity to replace the starter. Nothing was wrong with it but I wanted to replace it before putting the headers on since access would be an issue after.
Anyway, the darn thing won't go on again. It seems impossible to seat correctly, the top just won't engage. It stays about 1/16" from seating all the way. Any ideas of suggestions?
Anyway, the darn thing won't go on again. It seems impossible to seat correctly, the top just won't engage. It stays about 1/16" from seating all the way. Any ideas of suggestions?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
Strangely, the bendix shouldn't be a problem unless it's the wrong starter and touching the flywheel already?
I suppose you already returned your core? Can't compare and see if there is something odd about it.
I suppose you already returned your core? Can't compare and see if there is something odd about it.
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New User
Joined: Dec 2011
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Correct - the core is already returned so I have nothing to go by. I'll try mating it up tonight with some grease on the bendix and see if it is hitting. Don't know what else to do. Maybe I have to put a hand crank on it!!
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,592
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From: **** hole San Jose ca.
My mini starter is hard to line up and is a close fit, I do have to jockey the starter around to get it line up to seat at the top side.Way Back in the old skool day's we use to rock the vehicle back & fourth when the bendix would hang up. Or if it's a auto tranny put a 15/16? socket on the on the crank bolt turn crank some. If no socket and it's a stick shift remover flywheel cover move flywheel lager screw driver or tire iron wench. ..
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 553
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From: Raleigh, NC
On the small block Fords, the manual and automatic transmissions require a different starter. The manual flywheel ring gear and the torque converter ring gear are different distances in and require a shorter or longer nose on the starter. Don't know if that's true for the 360? Anyway, you could check the part number on your starter and see if the application is for manual, auto, or both.
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Stoughton WI.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,592
Likes: 10
From: **** hole San Jose ca.
On the small block Fords, the manual and automatic transmissions require a different starter. The manual flywheel ring gear and the torque converter ring gear are different distances in and require a shorter or longer nose on the starter. Don't know if that's true for the 360? Anyway, you could check the part number on your starter and see if the application is for manual, auto, or both.
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Elder User
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From: Raleigh, NC
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,592
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From: **** hole San Jose ca.
HEY I'M OLD AND CAN'T SEE GOOD..OKAY Sorry, I forgot to come back and check my post
So, I meant BUMP starter You know turn the ign key on to start just enough so the starter moves a small amount. But don't have the starter bolts so tighten up at it won't move if it's jammed on a tooth. Don't Just crank on it like trying to start the motor. Remove coil wire fire before doing then, Me I'd do it at the starter solenoid tho. Easier to control it their. then just Bump starter=engagement if you can't turn the flywheel/crank any.This is Kind of like get the dizzy to drop into place= seated...
Gee, I screwed up again!!!
orich
So, I meant BUMP starter You know turn the ign key on to start just enough so the starter moves a small amount. But don't have the starter bolts so tighten up at it won't move if it's jammed on a tooth. Don't Just crank on it like trying to start the motor. Remove coil wire fire before doing then, Me I'd do it at the starter solenoid tho. Easier to control it their. then just Bump starter=engagement if you can't turn the flywheel/crank any.This is Kind of like get the dizzy to drop into place= seated...
Gee, I screwed up again!!!
orich
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
There should be ZERO starter/flywheel interference with the starter off. The starter is a pretty precise fit in the bellhousing, if you don't hit it straight on it may not actually fit. Try backing the bolts out most of the way, and slide the starter straight in on them. If you tightened it down at all while it was cocked, then you may want to pull it back out and make sure the mounting ring didn't get buggered up.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
I'd closely inspect the starter flange and the bellhousing hole and make sure you didn't booger something up. They do fit snug. I've had to giggle mine a few times through the years to get them to seat flat.
DON'T ever use the bolts to pull it down> That just leads to broken starter ears(or broken bolts--worse case).
DON'T ever use the bolts to pull it down> That just leads to broken starter ears(or broken bolts--worse case).
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
The 1962 and earlier 3 hole starter uses a Bendix inertia drive. It sticks out of the starter like a sore thumb, has a HUGE coil spring on it. When the spring is unwound, it takes two hands and muscle to wind it back up.