Help.Finally got starter in car now it wont turn over. Starter is new, motor is new zero miles.Are there shims needed? what could be wrong?Starter engauges but wont turn over or disengauge.Motor is 390 in 1964 Galaxie.Thanks Rich
No shims for Ford starter. Is it a new(reman)? I have put rebuilt engines in and the old starter that worked fine is too tired to spin the new engine. The engine does turn by hand I presume. Is the battery grounded to the engine?
Ford starters aren't known as the best in the industry. I've had to return more than 1 reman. starter before. Most auto stores will do a free check on the starter. I'd start there. Also, is the solenoid new? Your description sounds to me like it could be bad. Another cheap, and easy fix.
I had an LTD with a 390. Had one starter **** out and shatter little metal fragments all over the flywheel. Took out the starter, cleaned all the metal out, put the new one in...went to crank it and nothing happened. I took it back out and there seemed to be a piece of metal wedged between the teeth of the flywheel and starter gear. While I had it out, I bench tested it with some jumper cables and it spun fine. Checked the solenoid, put the starter back in, and it started right up. No shims seem to be needed. Maybe there's a bad connection or ground?
There is a transistion in 65 where Ford changed the starter styles and the flywheels are different tooth count. you have to run the right starter with the right flywheel. Check this link Dawg
Dude, you nailed it the flywheel is wrong the rebuilt motor isn't the one we pulled out so it's a later flywheel.Thanks to all of you for the responses.Rich
Sounds like you got it figured out. If your running long headers, its a good idea to use a quality starter instead of a cheap-o. Use a heat shield also. I went through three "Lifetime guarantee" ones from Autozone before getting my money back and getting a Napa one which has lasted more than ten years now on my 390 (w/o any heat shield).
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