1952-59 Ford 5.0 starter problems

I have a 54 two door that runs a 5.0 and five speed manual. I bought it as described. It has had a starter problem since I bought it. It sounds like the bendix spring does not engage, just free spins when you turn the key. I replaced the starter with a lifetime rebuilt at Kragen. The replacement does the same thing. From what I can see the flywheel teeth are ok.

I removed the replacement starter, took it in to Kragen to have it tested and get another one, the counter guy said it tested ok. He told me that Ford starters can twist on the bell housing because they put out a lot of torque and the two bolt holes on the starter ears are too big and allow it to move enough that the gear does not engage. He gave me a few plastic vacuum caps told me to cut them to size and use them as sleeves to insert inside the starter bolt holes to eliminate the twisting. I did this, and the first time I tried, it sounded fine and started right up. I drove the car around awhile, put it in the garage, then it would not start, just spinning again.

So is it true what he was saying about the bolt holes being too big? The bolts I am using are not shoulder bolts, maybe they are the wrong bolts?

I found out that the starters for automatic and manual transmissions are different. Maybe they sold me the wrong one?

 

When you installed the starter can you get it tight enough but not all the way so you can see if the starter moves a little so it will be of center > Just enough so it won't catch the flywheel ? The starter should move at all when the bolts are almost completely tight . I worked for Ford as an engine mechanic and never had that problem . Seems to me that the hole on the starter is too big . Plastic won't hold up but you could us a metal one . Maybe make a sleeve from piece of metal tubing and cut down to make a shim for the starter so it sits on the bolt tight .

Jim

 

there is a gap around the bolts, however there is a block plate as its called. the thin spacer between the block and bell housing . which centers the starter . you have to run the block plate between the 2. if its there , then they might have gave you the wrong starter, they are diffrent between the auto and manual in most years . not all . they can also run either the big or little sarters.

 

AH ! The fun of hot rodding and the parts people that just don't get it !
If he is missing the block/trans spacer , many times the starter bendix will hit the flywheel while the engine is running .
But I will agree that you have the incorrect starter . The nose of the starter is too small . You need the bigger one .

Jim

 

Thanks guys....I'll be picking up the correct starter next week, and will install it as soon as the garage is warm enough! will post the results.

 

Now Steve , when it warms up enough ! We have had ice here many times already and has been colder than usual .
Gotta have some fun sometime !
You just need to find a parts store where the guy behind the counter is an older guy that understand what is going on with your car problems . Advanced Auto and places like that just don't cut it usually but there are few they do . You need to find one where the guy is a gear head and owns a hotrod . Those are the ones that will go out of their way to help you .
Now if you measure the inside diameter of the hole on the spacer , then you can measure the one on the starter they give you . Try the ones from the older Mustangs and full size cars , they seem to have the bigger starters in them .

Jim

 

There are also 157 tooth and 168 tooth ( truck ) flywheels for small block Fords. You may have a smaller diameter flywheel ( 157 tooth) in a larger bellhousing for a 168 tooth flywheel. Just a thought.