Flathead starter.
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 794
Likes: 120
From: Behind the wheel, IN
Flathead starter.
I'd like to get some expert opinions here. My starter spring just broke. Well, I'm 95% certain that it broke, I haven't pulled the starter yet. This is the third time I've had that happen. The last time it happened was less that a year ago, and I haven't put that many miles on since then. After the last replacement, I figured out I am missing the mounting bracket that bolts the starter to the oil pan. I ordered one, and it's been sitting on my workbench waiting for me to get around to it. I guess I'll be getting that installed when I put the new spring on. Is there anything else that could be causing these to break? The truck is running 12v, and I know that makes the starter spin faster/harder. Could that be part of the problem?
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 561
Likes: 67
From: Sandpoint, in north Idaho
I would say that is the problem. I drove my F1 from '77 to around '82 like that and though I don't remember the starter spring it sure ate up a couple of flywheel gears! Have your starter rewired to 12 volt.
Brian
Brian
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,283
Likes: 1,046
From: NM
15 yrs ago, after repeated starter issues (on both 6v and 12v), I sprung for one of these: https://www.qualitypowerauto.com/ite...-Flatheads.htm
Not a single problem since, and it puts a lot less stress on the battery, since they draw less than half as much current. They also come into the ring gear from the front, so no hang-ups. They weigh a third of what the stock starters do.
Not a single problem since, and it puts a lot less stress on the battery, since they draw less than half as much current. They also come into the ring gear from the front, so no hang-ups. They weigh a third of what the stock starters do.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,765
Likes: 547
From: Kalispell, MT
I opted to go this route - modern bendix with internal spring. They sell these complete, but 15 years ago you could buy just the bendix. I had a local shop rewire my starter to 12V.
https://www.macsautoparts.com/ford-p...8-11907-1.html
An alternative if any of you are keeping the original bendix with exposed spring. If you pay attention to where it breaks, it is always at a rough spot in the spring.
Disassemble the bendix and go over the spring with a small round file (chain saw sharpening file) and smooth out any imperfections or sharp edges you see. It will last much longer.
fwiw: I used to build muzzle-loading rifles and the flat springs in the lock have the same problems as our bendix springs.
https://www.macsautoparts.com/ford-p...8-11907-1.html
An alternative if any of you are keeping the original bendix with exposed spring. If you pay attention to where it breaks, it is always at a rough spot in the spring.
Disassemble the bendix and go over the spring with a small round file (chain saw sharpening file) and smooth out any imperfections or sharp edges you see. It will last much longer.
fwiw: I used to build muzzle-loading rifles and the flat springs in the lock have the same problems as our bendix springs.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
4thgenford
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
12
Dec 13, 2024 01:08 PM
paul_scooter
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Dec 30, 2008 01:21 AM
potemkin
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
May 24, 2008 12:57 PM
bobodean
Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300
2
Mar 16, 2003 09:04 AM
