Starter/flywheel problem
 

Joined: Tuesday
Posts: 6 Profile Page

wesjones98922

I have a professionally rebuilt 49-50 Ford/Mercury flathead with the resurfaced flywheel that matches this engine. When I install a working 1947 10 tooth starter drive this binds up with the flywheel. The engine turns completely over and the starter works fine when not in this engine, it worked when it was installed in the 1947 engine. I am informed that the flywheels and starter drives are supposed to be the same from at least 1946 through 1953. However, are there different drives and or teeth on flywheels from this era? What else might be causing this problem? I am using a 49-50 Merc Bell housing with the flat plate starter that the starter mounts on. The flywheel I am almost certain is from a 49-53 Ford/Mercury. This allows me to use the 36-39 Ford floor shift transmission. If there different parts I need where can I purchase these? My direct e-mail address is: [email protected]

Re: Starter/flywheel problem
 

The 46 thru 48 flywheel is different than the 8BA, 49 thru 53 flywheel. The flywheels use different ring gears, see Mac's catalog, the gear off set is different.
The flywheels will fit the crankshafts but do not line up properely, you cannot use a 46 thru 48 flywheel on a 49-53 Merc engine.

Re: Starter/flywheel problem
 

Re: Starter/flywheel problem
 

I know '51 Merc flywheel is different than Ford. Pressure plate has different mounting (6 holes eq spaced and 3/8 vs 5/16 screws). Why Merc and Ford were different? '51 Merc PPs are sorta hard to find.

Re: Starter/flywheel problem
 

Flywheels from 59a and 8ba are not the same.

Re: Starter/flywheel problem
 

Easy way to tell them apart is the width of the ring gear looking at the backside. 8ba is narrower then the 59AB. The 59ab will be too close to the back of the block on a 8ba. We made some aluminum shims up to run 59ab aluminum flywheels on 8ba motors. Why? Because we had a bunch of.early.flywheels and late motors

Re: Starter/flywheel problem
 

did you use the "extra" starter mount braket, from bolt to oil pan rail?

Re: Starter/flywheel problem
 

Is the starter plate completely flat or does it have a bead across it. If so the starter is on a angle and jamming on the flywheel.

Re: Starter/flywheel problem
 

did you use the "extra" starter mount braket, from bolt to oil pan rail?

Good point. This is the first thing I would check.

Re: Starter/flywheel problem
 

Hasn't it been mentioned somewhere before that the small aftermarket starter will work on any of the configurations? Might be the path of least resistance to curing your problem.

Re: Starter/flywheel problem
 

Hi Wes,
Welcome to the Barn. There is no flywheel fitment info. in the following, but there is some great info. and pictures of all the bell housings, starter plates and oil pans used on flatheads. May help now, sure to help in the future:
http://192.168.1.1:8181/http://www.f...ellhousing.pdf

Howard

Re: Starter/flywheel problem
 

If the motor turns over without the starter installed & the starter rotates when tested on the bench, there are only two items that can be wrong.
Wrong flywheel or wrong starter plate.
Do you know what you really have ?
Post a photo of the starter plate, we will start there.

Re: Starter/flywheel problem
 

Hi wesjones; You need an 8BA (1949 to 1953) starter. Welcome to the barn and good luck.