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

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.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

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.

Mark

1956 Mercury M100
1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan
Delta, British Columbia

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.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

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.

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.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

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.

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Where can I get one?

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.


Lawrenceville, GA

I appreciate the recommendation on the Auto Electric starter. I have been looking at them but hadn't found any comments.