Ok, so i thought my car was hard starting because of timing issues. Well, i think it was the starter on the way out. Last night it turned for the last time (luckily I was in my driveway). Now all I get is one "click" when I turn the key. Battery is a red top optima and appears OK.



I need to pull the starter to do a final test on it, but I'm sure it's done. I was wondering what starter options are there. Are there better ones to use (either aftermarket for from another year/model), or should I just get a standard replacement. (engine is a '57 312 with FOM/FMX hybrid trans) I want to get one right away because I'm missing quality driving time !



-John

John: Lake Forest, IL



'57 Fairlane 500 - Looking better every day.

Before pulling the starter, check the battery. Come over here to the shop and I'll show you a whole pallet of batteries that appear ok.


Lawrenceville, GA

For a quick check of your battery turn on the headlites and then try to start it. If the battery is bad the lights will fade to dim. If they stay bright its something else. Pete

John: before you re & re the starter, check all related connections including grounds. And what about the solenoid? Can you put a volt meter on the battery? Changing the starter is a bit of a struggle, so do the prelims first.

Paul

If you have to get a new starter, I got one of those mini high torque ones from this guy http://www.autoelec.com . Works great, I've had it about two years now, zero problems.

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

I double checked the battery. Lights are good, radio plays. I can try to start and the lights don't change. I jumped the relay with the battery cable because I know those can go bad. It acted like a short to ground and the starter didn't make any noise. So the "click" when turning the key is only the starter relay. I'm going to pull the starter tomorrow. I'll jump it directly to the battery and see what happens.



- John






John: Lake Forest, IL



'57 Fairlane 500 - Looking better every day.

Ok so I read somewhere that FE starters work in Y-blocks, is that true?  Is there any advantage to using those?  Does anyone else have any experience with the units from Auto Elect?

 - John

John: Lake Forest, IL



'57 Fairlane 500 - Looking better every day.

I've been using a unit from autoelec for the last 4, 5, or maybe more years. I don't really remember when I got it. It's been more reliable than rebuilt stock units - haven't had to replace it almost yearly.


Lawrenceville, GA

Here’s a past thread on FE starter interchange.

http://forums.y-blocksforever.com/Topic16116-9-1.aspx

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

I also have one of the high torque starters from auto elec, its only been in for a little while but its working great so far. I've got a 56 312 with a manual bellhousing and a T5 attached. The starter bolted right into the same holes, and has a rotatable face, so you can have a bit of choice how you mount it. Don't bother trying to use one of the original starter seals though. I grunted and cursed at it for about an hour before I just made my own. If you hold the two side by side you'll see where it binds - the face of the old starter doesn't stretch all the way around like this one:

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



You could grind away part of the face, but I chose a custom seal



hope that helps



Ced