Starter questions

[S2261]

The set up:
1978 200
2 speed fordo
1961 Comet
The problem:
loud squeel when starting car
I had been using the small starter at first (4 inch for 170). It was having problems so I bought a larger starter(4.5 inch for 200). Now when I start it it squeals very loudly when the starter engages. I suspect the starter drive is moving further on this one than the older one and I need to add a shim or two. Any ideas on how to determine the shim thickness? How about shim material. I can't locate a premade shim for this starter. Any ideas on what to do? Washers maybe?

 

[pedal2themetal45]

I have heard of people using washers ..
tim

 

[S2261]

Turns out the problem was a combination of things. My flex plate was toast. I was one on-ramp from completely destroying it. It was cracked 7/8 of the way around where it bolts to the engine. So, it was really flexing. Shimming the starter fixed the contact when starting problem. The new flex plate should fix the other problem. It gave me the opportunity to fix a nagging leak at the front of the tranny as well.

 

[Mercury Mike]

Yep, I'm right there with ya, dude. My flex is cracked and it kind of whirs and squeaks like a futuristic car! =P

 

[S2261]

It's quiet now. I'm very happy about that. The tranny still leaks. See my post in the trans section for details on the leak.

 

[Anonymous]

what did you shim it with? i got a new starter and its the big one, there was no listing for the small one when i needed it. its in now and squeals.

rick

 

[S2261]

what did you shim it with? i got a new starter and its the big one, there was no listing for the small one when i needed it. its in now and squeals.

rick

I used two washers/bolt. I don't weld so I could not weld them together. I cut a slot in them so I could slide them over the bolt after it was started rather than trying to thread the bolt through the washers and get it started.