Flywheel/Crank ID?
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 613
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From: Boston, KY
Flywheel/Crank ID?
I've been chasing my tail for months, so finally decided to pull the engine and get to the bottom of things. I bought a truck with a non-original 460. Heads were EFI, front dress was EFI. Block is stamped E9TE. Front dress brackets are not a perfect fit, making me think maybe the block is older than I first thought. There is a spot to mount a mechanical fuel pump....not sure if that remained on newer blocks or not.
The starter chewed up the ring gear right after I bought it, so I went ahead with a new clutch/flywheel/starter, etc. With a new starter, the truck would start ok a few times, then break the starter. 6 starters later, I have the engine out. I learned after installing the replacement 180-tooth flywheel that the externally balanced flywheels have one mounting hole that is a different size than the others, making it impossible to install off-balance. Well, last night I checked and all holes in the crank are identically tapped, meaning I can install the flywheel at any orientation without anything binding. Is it possible to tell if I have an older crank? I have the engine on a stand with the oil pan off so accessibility is not an issue. I am running a ZF5 transmission manufactured in 1988, so I would think a 1988 (i.e. 180-tooth) flywheel would be the right choice in terms of starter alignment. Help!
The starter chewed up the ring gear right after I bought it, so I went ahead with a new clutch/flywheel/starter, etc. With a new starter, the truck would start ok a few times, then break the starter. 6 starters later, I have the engine out. I learned after installing the replacement 180-tooth flywheel that the externally balanced flywheels have one mounting hole that is a different size than the others, making it impossible to install off-balance. Well, last night I checked and all holes in the crank are identically tapped, meaning I can install the flywheel at any orientation without anything binding. Is it possible to tell if I have an older crank? I have the engine on a stand with the oil pan off so accessibility is not an issue. I am running a ZF5 transmission manufactured in 1988, so I would think a 1988 (i.e. 180-tooth) flywheel would be the right choice in terms of starter alignment. Help!
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Simi Valley, CA
1983 was the first year the 460 was available with a M/T and 4WD. All previous 460's were only available with the C6.
Mid-year 1979, Ford changed the 460, it's externally balanced (has a weighted crank spacer). The block casting number: D9TE-6015-AB
1971/78 & some 1979 460's are internally balanced, the block casting number: D1VE-6015-AB or -A1B or -A2B
Internally balanced 460's use a different harmonic balancer and flexplate than the D9TE externally balanced engine.
The 460 starter is the same A/T & M/T
Mid-year 1979, Ford changed the 460, it's externally balanced (has a weighted crank spacer). The block casting number: D9TE-6015-AB
1971/78 & some 1979 460's are internally balanced, the block casting number: D1VE-6015-AB or -A1B or -A2B
Internally balanced 460's use a different harmonic balancer and flexplate than the D9TE externally balanced engine.
The 460 starter is the same A/T & M/T
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
The flywheel and crank flange holes are ALL the same size.
ONE hole is not equally divided (or clocked)
The spacer keyway on the front end takes care of indexing the spacer behind the harmonic damper.
An internal balance crankshaft's counterweights will not clear the longer cylinder sleeves of a D9 block
ONE hole is not equally divided (or clocked)
The spacer keyway on the front end takes care of indexing the spacer behind the harmonic damper.
An internal balance crankshaft's counterweights will not clear the longer cylinder sleeves of a D9 block
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2015
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From: Boston, KY
Great info, thanks. All indications point to having the correct flywheel/starter combo. Guess I need to find another reason that I am eating starters every few weeks....I might take the transmission to a machine shop and have them make sure everything is square.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
I had this problem around five years ago when I switched from a T-19 to a Zf-5.
Even started a thread about it...
I ended up shifting the starter rather than replacing the flywheel.
Not certain why, but the tooth form or diameter of my flywheel must be slightly off.
Even started a thread about it...
I ended up shifting the starter rather than replacing the flywheel.
Not certain why, but the tooth form or diameter of my flywheel must be slightly off.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2015
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From: Boston, KY
I was planning on having a machine shop fill the bottom starter hole and re-locate it. I am curious to know how you shifted your starter? This is the answer I've been searching for!
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
I slotted the lower hole and relieved the piloting diameter.
This allowed me to get the proper engagement, where it wont clank going in and doesn't make noise while cranking.
This allowed me to get the proper engagement, where it wont clank going in and doesn't make noise while cranking.
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2015
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From: Boston, KY
Do you have any pictures or a link to the thread where you did it? How far did you have to move things? If I can do it myself without paying a machine shop to fill the hole and re-tap, all the better. An explanation of how you slotted the hole would be of great value to me!
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pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
The lower hole is not tapped.
The bolt goes through the starter into the bellhousing.
Okay, I'm just now down off the roof and back to wifi.
Here's a link to my thread. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...er-issues.html
The first few posts were pulled from the wdydtytt thread and consolidated.
There are some pic's and a lot of banter.
I eventually went with a flange head bolt for more clamping area.
The bolt goes through the starter into the bellhousing.
Okay, I'm just now down off the roof and back to wifi.
Here's a link to my thread. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...er-issues.html
The first few posts were pulled from the wdydtytt thread and consolidated.
There are some pic's and a lot of banter.
I eventually went with a flange head bolt for more clamping area.
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