Howdy. Installed a new Hays steel flywheel on a stock 302 with a 3-speed. I only see .250" clearance between the starter mounting surface and the ring gear teeth. I need at least .375" to clear a standard starter pinion gear. I read somewhere that a flywheel spacer can be used on these engines but I'd rather not go there after finishing my engine install. I shoulda/coulda/supposeda but didn't check the depth before installing everything else. I am currently whittling away at a piece of aluminum to form a .125" starter spacer. I've read all sorts of posts on Ford starter issues, but nobody mentioned 1/4" depth in any tech archives so far. Supposed to be 3/8". Anyone heard of this? Is there an "off-t******lf starter spacer" for the smallblock Ford besides my own shelf? -Andy the magneto guy.
Magneto, Here is what I found on the subject on a Ford F truck site about the problem. Also it seems there are two distinct starters-One for the automatic and one for the manual transmission cars. The snout is different and protrudes differently for each starter. You may have the wrong starter period. The truck site had a NAPA part number for a Ford shim to correct this issue. Hope this helps. Heres the dialog from the truck site. Don Jr. "This is a problem that has come up in the past. Here's a condensed technical bulletin concerning the issue: "TECHNICAL BULLETIN: Ford Starter Shims ALERT: FORD STARTER DRIVE FAILURES APPLICATION: All Ford Inline 6 & V-8 Engines, 1963 thru 1991 PROBLEM: Ford starters come in (either a core or alleged defective) with the clutch retaining cap on the drive cut off on the front side, or worn from running against the flywheel. REASON: The engine flywheel is floating. The crankshaft thrust bearing that keeps the crankshaft centered wears after about 60,000 miles, allowing the whole crankshaft and flywheel ***embly to move toward the front of the engine. THIS IS NOT THE FAULT OF THE STARTER: SOLUTION: Ford Motor Company has made a shim to correct this problem. The part number was D6TZ-11N004. It was .090 thick and fit between the starter nose housing and the bell housing. thus backing the starter away from the ring gear. Ford has discontinued this shim." I have one right here that I got from NAPA auto parts. Part Number is 655-1198 <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->
Mr Blue beat me to the cure.I've been messing with small block Fords for over 44 years and can see why guys get confused and go with a different engine make!! ROY.
Thanks for the replies! I've read the Ford bulletin, but the crank doesn't have any excessive play, and the starter was correct for the application prior to the flywheel install. Since the HAYS flywheel is too close (not a typical factory dimension, currently at .250" instead of .375") I might grab two .090" shims from NAPA? and sandwich them together between the starter for a total of 180". Should provide what it needs for clearance plus 5 thou. If they can find the part number, it would be a miracle, but it's worth a try. Thanks again! -Andy
I made a pattern off a mid plate and built a couple of Aluminum shims and cured all starter problems. Its a fast fix with a jig saw and drill to built the shim. You can also get a junk yard plate and just cut off the starter section needed.
Good idea! I looked up the P/N for the shims tho, and found them at napa (.100") p/n BK 6551188. They have the extra material to support the ears of the starter mount.
Cool - I had searched it with the Hyphen as originally listed and it was invalid - Didn't think to leave it out. Thanks!
Just got back from the parts store. Got two steel .100" shims! $8.95 each. Headache gone. They had them in the "HELP" brand under p/n 02359. Thanks a bunch for the help. I can install my new mini-starter with some confidence! -Andy
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