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By ChrisS. - 11 Years Ago
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Hello, I have a problem with my '55 Fairlane (312, Fordomatic, air cooled trans ). When turning the ignition switch the starter spins but doesn't engage the flywheel. I have replaced the starter drive with another used one and it worked for a few weeks, but now this problem has returned. I noticed when removing the starter that the bellhousing gasket is missing, also there is slight movement in the ring gear. I don't know if these things would contribute to a lack of engagement or whether it could be something else. BTW I'm in the UK so unfortunately I'll have to ship any parts from the Fairlane's place of birth, therefore I'm asking you experts for advice before ordering any unnecessary parts! Thanks, Chris
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By Hoosier Hurricane - 11 Years Ago
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Slight movement of the ring gear? Is it a standard shift? If so, it sounds like the problem is not the starter drives, but the ring gear slipping on the flywheel. I had it happen to me once on an aluminium flywheel. It can't happen with a Fordomatic.
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By lyonroad - 11 Years Ago
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I just replaced the starter and ring gear on my '55, but it is a manual transmission. I have zero knowledge about automatics and don't know if the ring gear should move or not. Do you think that the gear may have some missing teeth. Is it possible to rotate the flywheel by hand a few degrees to see if that reengages the starter? Other than that I am pretty sure someone else on this forum will be able to help you.
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By paul2748 - 11 Years Ago
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The converter, which holds the ring gear, is attached to the crank by a flexplate. On the early Fordos, the nibs on the flex plate have been known to come loose. They usually do not cause what you are experiencing, but it is something to check. Pull the lower cover, spin the engine by hand and check these mounting points.
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By ChrisS. - 11 Years Ago
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Thanks fellas for your info, much appreciated.The car still has the original riveted flex plate, the previous owner did mention that the rivets were getting a little loose. I checked the ring gear and there are no missing teeth, but I suppose there could be some wear in the rear side of the gear which may impede engagement.
So can anyone advise me would the best option now be to replace the flex plate, starter drive and ring gear, or should I buy a new high torque starter which engages with the front, unworn side of the ring gear?
Thanks in advance,
Chris.
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By Hoosier Hurricane - 11 Years Ago
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Since you have an automatic, the ring gear can't slip. So I would guess that the starter drive has failed again. On the drive there are two washers with deep slots in them to accept the ends of the torsion spring. These washers can split where the slots are and then they open up so that they don't drive the starter gear, so the starter spins without turning the flywheel.
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By paul2748 - 11 Years Ago
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If you can rule out everything but the starter, I would go with a high torque mini starter. I have one in my 54 (4speed) and I really like it.
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By vntgtrk - 11 Years Ago
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paul2748 (3/8/2014)
If you can rule out everything but the starter, I would go with a high torque mini starter. I have one in my 54 (4speed) and I really like it.
Where can I get one?
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By charliemccraney - 11 Years Ago
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http://www.autoelec.com/html/y_block_ford_gear_reduction_st.html
I got one because rebuilds don't seem to last. I've had it for at least 10 years now, trouble free.
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By Red_John - 11 Years Ago
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I appreciate the recommendation on the Auto Electric starter. I have been looking at them but hadn't found any comments.
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By vntgtrk - 11 Years Ago
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Not sure if I want to spend that much, but worth considering. But I have 3 starters now and I think 2 of them work.
BTW OP, do you have auto parts stores there that can test the starter?
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By charliemccraney - 11 Years Ago
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vntgtrk (3/9/2014)
Not sure if I want to spend that much, but worth considering. But I have 3 starters now and I think 2 of them work.
It does seem expensive, and when I got mine, it wasn't that much, but before that, I went through 2 rebuilds, about 1 a year. As a side note, I also had a rebuilt generator that didn't last. Got tired of dealing with rebuilt old tech that doesn't last, so for less than the cost of the 2 rebuilds I got that starter. No problems since. That is worth the cost.
I have no idea why the rebuilds didn't last. I use 3 different companies and the same result every time so an issue with the rebuilder is not likely. Maybe parts availability to really do it right??
Since you do have originals to use that won't cost a dime, use them. When the time comes that you need a starter, seriously consider the aftermarket one.
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By Talkwrench - 11 Years Ago
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Excuse my ignorance here guys, Ive never really had a good look at my Y block starter are they the same as a flathead one .. With the bendix and the bolts that hold the unit together as well as holds it onto the block?
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By ChrisS. - 11 Years Ago
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Thanks again everyone for your input. Before I buy a new starter I think I'm going to re-check the ring gear. I turned the motor over by hand yesterday and afterwards it started right up!
Seems like it could be a dodgy tooth on the gear.
Chris.
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By Hoosier Hurricane - 11 Years Ago
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Talkwrench:
Though similar, the flathead and the Y starters are not the same. The Y starter has an end plate that the through bolts thread into, and the end plate is then bolted to the bellhousing with 3 bolts. The starter drives are completely different.
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