79 f250 429 starter problems

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Jul 14, 2014 | 12:52 PM

jay_blu

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79 f250 429 starter problems

Hello, I am at my wits end with this truck. I have a 79 f250 that came with a 429. The problem i have is that the starter backs away from the fly wheel and won't engage. I can un bolt it hold it over and tighten it, then get maybe 3 starts, then it will slip and free spin until i unbolt it and slide it to the flywheel again. I bought a brand new starter for it and it worked for about 20 starts and then the same thing.

So what would my route be for fixing it? New flywheel? Ring gear different starter?

Thanks for the help

Jul 14, 2014 | 03:27 PM

BruteFord

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From: Over There

Do the bolts actually loosen?

Jul 14, 2014 | 03:58 PM

jay_blu

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No they don't seem to, they are still really tight when i have to move the starter back. It's just 2 bolts, not like on my 390, the top one goes into the starter the other into the bell housing.

Jul 14, 2014 | 04:04 PM

OldMetal

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From: US/Baja border

Check the ring gear on the flywheel, two starters will not have the same problem

Jul 14, 2014 | 04:23 PM

jay_blu

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So what flywheel would have been used? It seams to have the same 4 speed as my '77 besides the '79 has a married transfer case.

Jul 14, 2014 | 04:32 PM

BruteFord

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From: Over There

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay_blu

No they don't seem to, they are still really tight when i have to move the starter back. It's just 2 bolts, not like on my 390, the top one goes into the starter the other into the bell housing.

Move the starter back? so it's actually moving out of position?

Jul 14, 2014 | 04:38 PM

jay_blu

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Yup, so if you are looking at the front of the truck its dropping down and to the left. Away from the flywheel, so no shims would do anything.

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Jul 14, 2014 | 04:52 PM

jay_blu

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Yes it does, so my bell housing would probably need replaced?

Jul 14, 2014 | 05:04 PM

#10

BruteFord

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From: Over There

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay_blu

Yes it does, so my bell housing would probably need replaced?

Replaced no, removed yes, pretty sure you just need the block plate, the piece if thin flat steel between the bell housing and the block. Maybe if you want to get creative the block plate you have can be fixed in the truck.