'51-'53 Chrysler Hemi starter interchange

Tom, don't ignore the 4 and 6 bolt wheels, you can always finish drilling the pattern.

It is worth noting that there is a tremendous variance in the weight of the wheels. You might give some thought to what range you are looking for. Let me know and I'll check the pile.

Gary

 

Okay guys, I need to bump this back up. I think I just invested some energy in the wrong starter.

I need everyone's help on this one. PLEASE! I need a measurement from the mounting face of the starter to the bendix gear in it's fully engaged position. This would be one of the starters already mentioned. Here's what I get on the one I have and it's NOT enough engagement!

I get about 1.875" to the end of the gear. If fits my block but there is virtually no engagement. Just enough to start banging the corners of the teeth. It seems I need about 3/8" to 1/2" MORE engagement! So if anyone has a starter that measures out to about 2.250" to 2.375", PLEASE let me know!!!





Can anyone help with this mystery????

 

Any chance anyone knows of a starter that is compatible with a 146T flywheel that would have a little more length than the one I measured above?? Does such an animal exist???

 

BTTT. I still need to know if there is a longer starter available.

THANKS!

 

Hey Scott...got your PM.

Mine measures out to approx 2.008". But I didn't have a clamp long enough and I can't find my adjustible square like yours. So I was using my vise, a straight edge and a dial indicator to get my measurement....it may be a bit off?

When my neighbour gets home I'll see if he has the proper tools I need to get a more accurate measurement.

It's the same starter in the above pics.

 

Sorry scooter I only measure 1-15/16"

 

Wow! Sounds like some differences. After talking to 73RR, he found a TON of differences in flywheels, so I suppose it's possible there are other starters with other dimensions floating around.

Thanks for all of your input!!

 

Hey Scooter,
The starter selection may not be a big as we all might like. Keep in mind that the length of the pinion gear is pretty standard on these starters. Now, with the variations in ring gear placement and with the different gear widths, you could still have adequate contact, but the contact patch may wander around on the pinion gear depending on the pieces.

Although I think the idea of a second ring gear is an excellent repair (if there is adequate 'seat' space), it does require a tear-down.
I hate 'special' or one-off parts, but since you already have one (crank) then you are basically forced to have another to compensate. Adding a second ring would not create an odd part but it is intrusive.

I would give strong consideration to machining the starter mounting seat on the housing as this would not require a tear-down of the clutch/trans package. You have 'some' engagement as is and adding the 0.200 gets you back to a somewhat factory setting.

I have often said (complained) that I thought the engineers must have been bored and changed things just to justify their jobs and this does not help their case... what a mess...


Gary

 

73RR. Got an interesting deal here with NADA's 1956 354.
It was shipped with a starter plate (stock AL adapter) and a 146 tooth ring gear torque converter. It also had a 6V starter (yeah, should be 12V). The starter seems to have enough throw to engage the TC gear, but binds. I tired a washer to cock the starter out a bit and it was better, but that's not the way to install in the car!
There has been mention of the starter plates moving the starter position in and out a bit. We'd sure appreciate any help in finding a solution so the starter is out a bit more so the deive gear meshes properly with the ring gear. We have tried loosening the adapter bolts and prying over, along with prying the starter away to get the needed clearance, even though this again is not the way to install in the car.

 

Does anyone have the OEM/Autolite part #'s for the starters that work in a '51-'53 extended bell 331 Chry?
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Edit: Nevermind, I got it here...

I bought a MCL-6109 for 10 bucks

 

Just reviving this - do they not suit 146T flywheels? I thought you'd only need to purchase the late model starter if you purchased their fly too?

 

How can you ID them? Thanks