Ok,

I found a new starter. Actually I just went down to the local auto parts shop (Not NAPA or Checker/Schucks)

They had me a re-man starter in 3 hours! $45 The problem is it didn't come with a Bendix. You presumably use the old one off your "core" starter. THe parts guy said he could get one though....About $70!!

Ok...My old one was actually ok....so we compared the old starter with the new one.

The shaft is exactly 0.5" longer on the new one. So when I install the Bendix drive.....the drive gear misses the flywheel by......(you guessed it!!) 1/2 INCH!

I have to assume that the new Bendix drive is 1/2" longer than the older ones?

I can go 1 of 3 ways. I can make a 1/2" spacer to go between the starter and it's mount point...I can drill a new hole in the shaft and move my old Bendix drive IN 1/2" or I suppose I can just buy a new Bendix drive ($70 locally, $30+ shipping from Joblot)

Suggestions anyone?


TNX/Rick

 

Rick,

I would be concerned that you have a starter that will mount but is not the correct starter.

 

Rick,

Like you I needed a starter but didn't want to give Carpenter my first born rug rat or my wife, so I went to the local independent auto parts store and purchased a new starter. It fit like a glove, no modificatons at all. Like gunfighter, I would check part numbers before going to do anything permanent or costly. He may have given you the starter for another application. A caveat, when removing the bendix, make sure you can compress and HOLD the spring before removing the pin. Otherwise you will be chasing parts all over your shop. You really don't have to ask how I know do you?

Bubba

 

I would double check part numbers and find out why the new one is 0.50" longer, sounds like the wrong one to me.

 

Well, no. ....I don't!

Been there done that. When I did my 57 292 starter back in the 70's...I have a VIVID memory of parts flying around the room and a lot of four letter words!!!

My problem is that I have the wrong engine and possibly the wrong trans in this truck.

THe parts place sold me a starter for a 272/292/312 engine. ....In fact his book indicated that it also fits a 223 6cyl... I used my old drive and it came off a 239. THat of course should not make any difference. It's possible that I got a starter shaft for an automatic instead of a manual but I don't think that should make a difference unless the flywheel on an auto is 1/2 inch further back.

I just don't want to go buy a bendix drive and find out it's exactly the same length as the one I have. By the way.......my Bendix drive does NOT have a spring on the end!

It's a round rubber donut .....I'm thinking it's an older type since I seem to remember the "spring" type went into the 60's.

 

Rick,

I checked my Carpenter catalog and he lists the same part number for starters for 40-53, 54-55 6 volt and 56-61

The drives he lists as the same number for 6 cyl 52-61 and v8 54-61 The drives are all the same part number.
NPD lists the same bendix from52-61 6 cyl or v8.

there doesn't seem to be any difference in auto or manual tranny.

Sorry I could not be more help!

Bubba

 

Well,

You're right!

I called Joblot Automotive and did a little searching and (just got my Sacramento Vintage catalog http://www.vintage-ford.com/ ) of course a picture is worth MANY words!... I discovered that my starter is most probably a 1962-1964 manual and I bought a 61-67 auto starter!

They have pictures of ALL the starter drives from 48-67 and there's 5 different drives for those years.


They're standing side by side so it's easy to see that the one I have is 1/2" shorter than the others.


Each of the 5 drives shown is identified with a year model and trans (auto/manual).

Ok......Crisis over!

Cheers everybody!


Rick