i have a 61 c-550 with a 292 y block. No one in town could find that in their computer so I took a chance on a starter from a 64 F100 with 292 and this is the two next to each other. The new one has extra studs and nuts on it and I believe they are what is interfering with the starter not seating flush.
any ideas?

 

I made a hybrid of the old and new. I cleaned the armature and used all the new brushes and magnets. But here is a pic of the starter now installed. It looks like the gear is already engaged to the flywheel. I am not sure if the old bendix is messed up or if that is how it is supposed to be. OR maybe it wasn't the right starter either. Hell if I know now.

 

Have you tried starting/cranking it? I think once it starts the drive will kick out because it appears that it was in the engaged position to start with (first photo).

What I find strange is the difference in the length to begin with (again in first photo), like the shaft is too long on the new one. It's been a long time since I've actually looked at a Y-Block starter, I have a FE starter on mine.

 

From what I read there is a couple different length Bendix for different bellhousing/flywheel combos. My starter relay clicks but no action. I am about to try a jumper cable straight to the starter.

 

SUCCESS! A jumper cable straight to the starter made her hum right along. Now its time to put some plugs back in it and add some fuel

 

Y blockhead,
What did you have to do to change to a FE starter?

 

Hi BJ. I have a C-4 automagic behind my 312". The Flat-o bell takes the "newer" type FE starter.

 

I bought a Car Flat o bell and flywheel at a swap meet and sent it out to Gene to have "wings" welded on. He sells a hardware kit with all the bolts and Bendix to swap to a FE starter. Just looking for options.