i put a flat-o-matic behind my 239 and that works great but my starter stays a little engaged. I've tried just about everything i can think of even got the newer style bendex but it wont even fit in there. At this point i really don't have 200 bucks for a new starter. anyone got a fix?

 

Did you try to shim it?

 

thought about it except the flathead starter pulls the drive into the flexplate not push so if i shim it will move the gear closer to flex plate not further

 

Is the starter shaft parallel to the crank? If it's just binding, shimming one side could allow it to clear. If it's truly too short, then the starter gear/shaft is just built bad from the start, no? Maybe an expert will chime in.

 

The flat o matic install instructions mention the starter issue. Flat-o Products, Inc.

 

That's pretty clear. Thanks for chiming in.

 

Easy solution (no pulling the engine or trans) -- buy a gear-reduction starter. They hit the ring gear from the front, and never hang up.

 

step 4 in the instructions mentions this possibility right, not saying this is your issue.

 

thanks guys it looks like it's between the new kitchen faucet or a starter im voting on the starter but not really sure i get a vote in these things

 

Just wondering if you could slide the drive a little on the starter shaft to take care of it ? That is if it is the clearance issue.

I don't have one to look at but maybe swap a spacer or even machine the gear some? All depends on how much it's hanging.

I'm cheap!!

 

i'm the cheapest but after fighting this thing for 2 years i broke down a bought a mini starter should be here tomarrow