Hi everone, any tips for reinstalling the starter on a flathead, 239, ? I had removed the starter to paint the engine, and had removed the oil pan to clean the sludge from the pan. When trying to reinstall the starter, with the housing on the starter that is attached to the starter, it would not fit/slide between the flywheel/transmissiion and oil pan. What I think is that when I reinstalled the oil pan, the gasket at the end of the crank did not line up. Again, the plate on the starter did not slide evenly between the flywheel and oil pan and I was not able to bolt the starter on. Thanks, Monte < PS, at this time the engine is out of the truck (F-1, 1952) on a hoist.

 

If I understand right, you should take the dust shield off the starter and install the dust shield first. That way you can tell what isn't fitting right without trying to hold the weight of the starter. Once the dust shield is in place (loosen the oil pan if needed) re install the starter.

Be careful when you unbolt it - don't remove the bolts from the starter, just back them out enough to clear the dust shield and immediately put nuts on the bolt ends. It's no fun to put a starter back together if you don't have to.

 

Also, don't forget the little brace at the front of the starter. If it's not there, get one. This helps support the weight of the starter.

my 2 cents worth......

Barry

50 F-1

 

Thanks, I though that might be an option. I do thave the strater brace that bolts to the oil pan. Thanks, again, Monte