Am I installing my flathead starter correctly?
 

I am new at flatheads and I ordered a starter for my flathead and it had two nuts holding the end covers on. I took the nuts off and used the bolts that hold the end covers on and bolted it to the starter cover, is this correct? It seems like a weak arrangement.

Re: Am I installing my flathead starter correctly?
 

Bolted it to the starter cover????? You mean the oil pan?

Re: Am I installing my flathead starter correctly?
 

Mine has two bolts about 9" long through the starter face and body to the oil pan/flywheel housing. It is pretty sturdy. It is not going anywhere for sure.

Re: Am I installing my flathead starter correctly?
 

In addition to the 2 long bolts there should be another clip that goes under the starter long bolt closest to the oil pan. This clip also bolts to an oil pan bolt. Mac's lists it on page 110 of their catalog. pt #51a-11140 $6.25

This supports the back end of the starter.
John

Re: Am I installing my flathead starter correctly?
 

In addition to the clip to the oilpan as oldford2 advised, you should know that the rear face of the starter makes electrical contact with the pan, and must be free of any paint for that reason.

Re: Am I installing my flathead starter correctly?
 

Yes!

Make sure both surfaces are clean and shiney!

Re: Am I installing my flathead starter correctly?
 

Hi Folks! I have a problem with my starter.
My engine is a 221 flatie 1935. Original with original starter.

I have followed all the tip above, and now, I can not move my engine by "hand"?
what is the correct position of the gear of the starter, in the end or in the begging?

tks
Rod

Re: Am I installing my flathead starter correctly?
 

You have to tilt the starter so the gear gets behind the flywheel. The gear moves towards the front of the car.

Re: Am I installing my flathead starter correctly?
 

It depends on which year/type engine he has. On 32-48 engines the starter bolts to the flywheel cover that's attached to, or part of, the oil pan. On 49-53 engines the starter bolts to a cover/starter plate that bolt to the removable bellhousing. The only exception is on 48 trucks that had an 8ba/7rt engine.

Re: Am I installing my flathead starter correctly?
 

You don't want to crank it without that little bracket to the pan bolt on the front of the starter. Too much torque and things will go bad quickly. ( had that bracket snap once and ended up making my own out of a 3/4" piece of aluminum which I has to bend and twist to fit properly. Worked great. (I was stranded at the time)

Re: Am I installing my flathead starter correctly?
 

Can someone give me the dimensions of the throughbolts holding the starter to the oil pan? I’m guessing they are UNC 1/4”.

I can’t get to the starter installed until the same day that I want to install the high powered new starter so I can’t check for myself.

Re: Am I installing my flathead starter correctly?
 

5/16-18 (standard coarse thread).