Ok, Ford experts. I'm about ready to switch to Dodge! Still can't find an answer to my problem. Have pre-1979 460, 351M bellhousing and starter, 390 (184 tooth) flywheel, granny low 4-speed. About a dozen people swear they have the same combo and works fine. Mine doesn't. Seems like the diameter of the flywheel is a bit small, causing the starter gear to barely mesh and skip as it turns. Anyone know what could be different about my setup?

Related question. Have heard starter gears for the all big blocks of this era are the same. Some sources indicate a true 460 flywheel has 176 teeth - some 164. Which one is right? And how could one starter gear match 184, 176, and 164 teeth?

First answer that solves this mystery (and my problem) gets a King-of-Fords crown and a cold six-pack!

Randall

 

Is the starter for a 351m or a 460? I've had some fiends put a 460 nose cone on a 390 starter. Maybe you could try that. good luck!

 

your 390 flywheel wont I SAY WONT work with a 460/351m/400m/ get a flywheel for the 460/351/400 moter if you cant find one email me ive got several

 

>your 390 flywheel wont I SAY
>WONT work with a 460/351m/400m/
>get a flywheel for the
>460/351/400 moter if you cant
>find one email me ive
>got several


Why won't it work? It has a diameter of 15 1/2", same as 460. The problem I have is the starter gear is only contacting about 1/8" of the tip of the ring gear. Any flywheel the same diameter is going to have the same problem. Do you have a 460 bellhousing?

 

have you tried shimming it at all?