starter issue

CTRaceWorx

CTRaceWorx

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 23, 2007
Location
Charlotte
We have a starter issue. We are working on a 302 nv4500 combo. We have about .125 to .250 worth of extra starter gear. We can't space the starter out because it will hit the headers and this is the 3rd starter we've tried and the only one that will fit. If I machined the gear down will it damage it? Are the hardened? Any suggestions guys.
 
I would machine it. I cant find any info on weather or not it is hardened but I would assume it is. You can harden it yourself with a torch by heating it till its red hot and drop it in oil for around a minute then let it cool, clean it with soap and water, heat to blue hot and drop it in room temp water to cool completely. That will make it hard but still malleable not brittle. You may not even get it that hot depending on how you machine it. Your best bet may be to use a large fly cutter in the mill at low rpms to keep the heat down. You might not get the best finished surface but hey it's a starter gear.
 
Check the tooth count on the flywheel, I belive there are two different size flywheels for a 302.
 
I just checked there are two different size flywheels 157 tooth or 164 tooth.
 
I don't think changing the diameter of the flywheel will help. Ford starter bolts go in horizontally. Maybe alex can clarify but my understanding is that the gear sticks in too far not that it's too high. On gm motors you could space the starter down if the flywheel is too big around because the bolts typically go in vertically. But with sbf motors you can only move it in or out.
 
CarolinaTruggies said:
Chris you are correct. The gear sticks out too far and we can't get it away from the flywheel due to the header.
Click to expand...



not to be a smart ass, but Id find a way to move the header pipe.


Sure you can rig a customer starter up but what about when the bendix breaks in a lot somewhere and you are unable to move it until you have a custom starter re made...

I know headers can be aggravating but they can always be re done, and the you can go to a mini style and add a shim.

BTW if this is an older SBF they NEED the "dust cover" between the block and bell housing that serves to space the starter back, lots of times these are left out or "clearanced" to make a different style starter work...I learned this one the hard way.
 
a buddy of mine had this happen on a mustang one time. i belive he said the parts house had given him an auto tranny starter instead of a 5 speed starter. i dont know if the difference still holds true with the tranny you are running
 
SkyHiK5 said:
not to be a smart ass, but Id find a way to move the header pipe.
Sure you can rig a customer starter up but what about when the bendix breaks in a lot somewhere and you are unable to move it until you have a custom starter re made...
I know headers can be aggravating but they can always be re done, and the you can go to a mini style and add a shim.
BTW if this is an older SBF they NEED the "dust cover" between the block and bell housing that serves to space the starter back, lots of times these are left out or "clearanced" to make a different style starter work...I learned this one the hard way.
Click to expand...
You do have a good point. It'll be hard for the customer to find a replacement. But it does kinda depend on what kind of vehicle it's on. If it's a really custom one of a kind ride it might be a different story. Could the header be dimpled that's pretty common in the racing industry.
 
starter

Hey guys,
That's my jeep Alex is working on. it does have the mini starter and correct count flywheel. it does not have the dust cover. i'm having a hard time finding one. (if anybody has one, pm me)..i think it still needs to be indexed out too much.

i appreciate your feedback!!
brian
 
viper red cj-7 said:
Hey guys,
That's my jeep Alex is working on. it does have the mini starter and correct count flywheel. it does not have the dust cover. i'm having a hard time finding one. (if anybody has one, pm me)..i think it still needs to be indexed out too much.
i appreciate your feedback!!
brian
Click to expand...


It will probably be enxt week before I ca get to my shop but i *think* we have several down there.
 
Back
Top