This concerns me somewhat as the new 6V relay I bought buzzes like crazy most of times I engage the starter. It always works, but it worries me anyway as new/repro elect. parts are likely made in China these days.

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

hi guys, just a quick note to say thanks for all the info and help with my starter problem,and to let everyone know i found the problem. turns out the new relay i installed had to be "woke up". after double checking everything, took a pair of pliers and crossed the large terminals ofr a second,and that did it. dont know why, but........... anyway, happy new years to all

Try here: http://www.autoelec.com/html/ford_y_block_gear_reduction_st.html

       A  L  A  N   F  R  A  K  E  S   ~  Tulsa, OK    

where did you get your starter from, have one of my chopped 54 merc, but came as a complete kit . has a different bolt pattern because it bolts to a conversion unit which allowed me to put the od trans. behind that 292. thanks, will be happy to post a pic as soon as i get my camera back from my daughter .

thank glenn, am sure that picking it up and carrying it by the drive is the reason i am having this problem. didnt know this, thanks for the info

thanks john, you rattled the cobwebs loose, now cant wait to get out into the garage and try the wire wheel trick. if all else fails, i guess a new drive is in order , heh.

I don't know if this would solve your problem. but I have a high torque mini starter which I love. I also would like to see a pic of the 32.

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

Would love to see a picture of that Y Block powered 32

I had the same problem when I installed the engine in my 61 pickup. When I worked at Ford dealerships in the 60's, one of the old timers showed me a trick for releasing the drive once it had spun out, but after forty years I can't remember just how to do it, but the trick of John's sounds right. You learn quick not too pickup one of these starters by the drive, it will spin out and lock everytime.

Glen Henderson



Freedom is not Free

Letohatchee, AL

32 Duece:

Yes, when the drive spins in to engage the flywheel, it will lock there to crank the engine.  When the engine starts, the drive spins fast, and centrifugal force releases the lock and the drive retracts.  The starter should be capable of cranking the engine, even when it is already engaged.  That's what happens every time you crank the engine without starting it, like on a compression test or a failure to start the first time.  Sometimes you can release the drive by holding the pinion teeth against a wire wheel and spinning it in the direction that it turns freely and ratchets.  If the wire wheel is turning fast enough it will spin the pinion fast enough to release the lock.  The pinion will not move back and forth during a spin test with the battery charger.

John

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"