Hello, This thread is about Buick 248 & 320 starter & alternator compatibility. I know from other searches that the 240 starter has 2 field coils while the 320 starter has 4 filed coils. My question is will a 320 starter fit on a 248 motor? (At first glance it seems plausible.) It should be stronger since it can handle a 320. Anyone knows the answer to the above? Regarding solenoids: Solenoid of 248 has 2 terminals (pedal start car). A 1950 Special Solenoid of 320 has 1 terminal (key start car). A 1952 Roadmaster. Other than that solenoids seem interchangeable. Generators (6V) seem very similar, same attachments but 1952 has narrow pulley, and 1950 has wide pulley. Anyone knows if pulleys are interchangeable, i.e. can I put the wide pulley on the generator currently having the narrow pulley? What about using the Roadmaster generator on a special? Will the regulator work?
The 320 starter will fit onto the 248 and will spin it better. A 248 starter on a 320 will not spin it. As far as the solenoid is concerned, as long as the coils in the starter get 6V and shifts the bendix, it should not matter how it's energized. The 320 solenoid has heavier contacts since it energizes 4 field coils. Not sure about your generator question. If you have both try it. The regulator is the same IIRC. Buick revised and upgraded these motors constantly, sometimes in the same model years, so my answers may not be totally accurate.
Thank you both for your answers! It is great news! It means I have a spare generator & spare starter. Even 320 regulator will work on the car w 248.
The 1950 248 (last year and in only Specials) was greatly improved over the earlier models as it had hydraulic lifters (1949 on) and insert bearings on the rods (1949 on) and mains (1947 on). A dual carb intake (1941-42) would be a good find.
The Jalopy Journal
