Y-block starter question

I got the starter out of the 292 a couple hours ago. First thing I noticed is that the starter drive is different. The stock one has an open coil spring on the end, and the new one has what I think is a caged spring inside a housing. When I put it onto the starter drive shaft, they both are at different lengths from the bottom of the shaft from where the retaining pin is located. I think it's just the updated version, but so far no can tell me for sure. Ford dealer just stared at me like a deer in the headlights, old guy at the old parts store didn't know either. If I had a digital camera I would take a picture. Anyone know?

Second question, old guy at the parts store told me I have to get the drive gear 'spun' onto the shaft. Told me it has to be done at a machine shop, or battery/starter shop since the starter can't get it up to a high enough speed? What the hell? The original shop manuals say nothing about this. I thought it just expanded in length with the spin of the starter to engage the main flywheel? If this was to be 'spun' on, I would have thought the old one wouldn't have come off the shaft as easy as it did. All I had to do was compress the coil spring, then drive the retaining pin out. Then it slid right off.

If the starter was easier to put in, I'd just toss it in and see what it did. Then go from there.

 

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

 

On the second part... you are right. Just compress and repin. On the length of the shaft... can't help you. himmelberg

 

Thank you Himmelberg!

 

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=56

http://www.y-blocksforever.com/phpbb2/index.php

These guys can answer your questions.

 

http://disc.server.com/Indices/5173.html

Another site.

 

Are you sure you are not looking at a starter for an automatic? I do believe they are different.

 

The car is an automatic, but I managed to get the new starter in there yesterday. Only had to take apart the exhaust, and suddenly become double jointed to do it, but it's in there. Starts right up, none of the starter noise I previously had...so far.

The only reference I could find about getting the drive 'spun', was if you extended it by hand, and it locked into place, then it had to be spun to get it to release.

It's all better for the moment, thank you for the replies.