8BA block, early production I think, original Mercury crank and EAC heads. Bored 60 400jr. ect. When the engine went back together the starter would not spin it over. When engaged it might move a couple of teeth and then it stopped. It will turn over by hand, although it is tight. Started looking and noticed the starter plate set the starter a few degrees above the horizontal. So I purchased another bell housing with a matching starter plate. Installed them, the starter is now level but, same problem. I had the started checked. I checked OK, but I had it rebuilt with extra pads to increase torque. Nothing changed. Now I am wondering if the Merc crank needs a different flywheel? I have another flywheel and the starter ring is a different height. Before I change the flywheel I thought I would see if anybody has any ideas. The starter will be using 12V neg. My 41 has the same electrical setup and spins like a Plymouth! Any one have any ideas?
I have a 4 inch merc crank in an 8BA with an 8ba flywheel and all is good. Apprecitate that does not give you an answer to your issue but confirms crank and flywheel combo should be ok.
Looks like you are you using a 59A(pre '49) style flywheel? That won't work as it hits the block.....you need to use the 8ba style(49-53)
Your pics don't make everything clear but here's what I think I see. 1) The cast iron truck bell housing you have needs the matching starter plate, which would not have the angled mounting flange for the starter. The starter should be parallel with the ground. 2) all 49-53 flathead V8's must use a 49-53 flywheel. An easy way to ID the 49-53 flywheel is that the bolt holes for the pressure plate are drilled all the way through (visible from the front and back side). If you use the early flywheel, the starter bendix gear will not align properly. 3) make sure all starter mounting surfaces are clean for good electrical contact. Make sure your battery cables are up to snuff. When you try to start it and it hardly moves the engine, take a moment to feel all the cables and connections for a hot spot. This could indicate a loose connection or a bad wire inside the cable insulation. 4) your rebuilt motor may be tighter than you think......this is a completely different can of worms.
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