1952-59 Ford Worn out starter drive or something else?

So I'm converting the 54 to 12v and yesterday I got everything hooked up and wired up. I tried starting it and it will turn over, but about the time it wants to fire it sounds like the starter disengages and just spins. I tried half a dozen times and got the same thing every time. So does this mean the starter drive is worn out? Or the starter can't take the 12v? It didn't do this before the 12v switch.

Set up is on a 239 y block with a 1 wire gm alternator, brand new battery and brand new starter solenoid.

 

I looked it up on line (from your explanation of symptoms) and from what Ive read they say it could be a starter solenoid going bad....

 

You probably read the same sites I did! I've put two different solenoids on it with the same results.

 

Sounds like the starter drive to me. The spring on the drive could be weak or broken. You may have to remove the starter and replace the drive gear ***embly.

 

Its the starter drive. This is a good time to take the starter to an independent rebuilder, and do not take an exchange.

 

It is the starter drive.

 

Thanks guys! I'll pull it next week and see if I can find a local rebuilder to get it rebuilt and wired for 12v. So far the cheapest I have seen the starter drive is $42 from C&G. Anyone know of a better deal?

 

Better deal here and free shipping http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-STARTER-DRIVE-1953-1961-Ford-Thunderbird-Truck-/230561603325

 

Thanks Jeff!

 

Wow, last time I bought a starter drive they were like 12 bucks.

 

Yeah,kind of outrageous what these starters go for, Advanced Auto list the drives for $84 and Obsolete Ford gets $199 for a starter without the drive which there is no listing for.I hooked dragonknucks up with a good starter for an 18 pack of PBR last year.

 

And its still kickin strong! Best deal I ever made. Even got to hang out and hear some awesome stories. Good times.

 

Do yourself a favor and call Vern Davidson. He rebuilds and converts flathead starters, and the man is a genius.

Vern's Ford Flathead Shop
3478-1/2 F Rd
Clifton, Colorado 81520

970-434-898

 

Ok, next dumb *** question... how the hell do I drop the starter out? I got it unbolted and fought with it until my shoulder gave out trying to get it out. I tried every angle possible and could only get it far enough to just see the spring. Do I need to unbolt the idler arm bracket from the frame? I have never done that. Do I need to know anything special about doing that? I've got the car on ramps right now.

Sorry for the dumb *** question, but I am at a total loss.

 

Any suggestions? I'm going to head over there tonight to work on it and really like to get this beast out!

 

I don't know about a '54 but haven't had any trouble removing the starter from a '56 292.

Service manual is vague - it only says "...may be necessary to tilt the starter slightly, to allow the drive to clear flywheel..." Not much help, you've probably alreadry tried that!

Hoping someone else can offer better advice.

 

Tilted, twisted, pushed, pulled and cursed - no luck. Thanks raceron!

 

Unbolting the idler arm bracket is the trick! Less than 5 minutes and that thing was birthed like a greasy, ugly baby.

 

Thanks for the information FlatHat. I had Vern build me a new 12v starter. It didn't change the state of things though. Still no start...