Jump to content

New motor starter problems


Recommended Posts

Ok, here is my problem. The next to last item on my motor replacement list is the starter. Forgive me if I don’t use the right terms. The starter motor is the proper starter for a Ford Pinto (all ready confirmed as long as they put the right part number on the right starter). The bellhousing is suppose to be from a Pinto. The flywheel is off my old 1300cc xflow motor ( flywheel worked on the Formula Ford dyno when they tested the motor). The starter motor from my old 1300cc xflow will not fit as it used a completely different way of mounting. The starter pinion gear is not engaging the flywheel. The flywheel tooth to bellhousing measures 1.25”. From the flange of the starter to the engaged teeth of the starter pinion gear is about 1.2” and about .625 when it is not in the engaged position. So clearly the starter pinion is not going out enough so the nose of the starter in not long enough. Has anyone had a similar problem? Does anyone have a xflow starter lying around that could take some measurements for me? This is keeping me from starting my new motor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ok, I talked to a race car builder, Bob Henson, and the news is not good. The 1300cc xflow used the BMC style starter that had an extended pinion shaft and PULLED the pinion gear into the flywheel. The teeth were on the clutch side of the flywheel. There is no way to use that type starter on my car as the bolt pattern is opposite and there is no room in the bellhousing for that long a shaft. This is the type of flywheel that the formula Ford guys use that is why the engine builder wanted my old flywheel (I wish he would have realized that it would not work on a street car). The fix???? Buy a $500 starter from Pegasus and use my flywheel (assuming it has the right teeth). Take the motor and tranny out. Use another 1600cc flywheel with the teeth on the motor side of the flywheel. Bad news there is the motor will have to be torn apart and have the crank and flywheel rebalanced. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ I am in the process of getting sh!t faced right now and don’t even want to see my car for a while. Russ

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I found a Pinto flywheel that will work and it does not have to be balanced on MY crank. So as soon as I can get it balanced I will reassemble everything for the fifteeneleventh time and see if I can get my beast running. The Midwest Se7ens Gathering is coming up in 5 weeks and I have to be tested and running by then. What a nightmare this simple motor/tranny swap has been. Russ

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...