Guys, got a new starter for 56 sunliner. What's the trick for getting it in? I can't seem to get enough room to get the drive in the hole with enough clearance to move the starter into position. Any tips?

Ron Grove

Wauconda, IL

Ron, just keep on wriggling it, twisting, shaking, rotating, cursing it and it should go in!. regards bill.

  AussieBill            YYYY    Forever Y Block     YYYY

 Down Under, Australia

Been trying that for over an hour....I need another plan!

Ron

Ron Grove

Wauconda, IL

It's definately a pain. I have a '56 Customline with a power (rear) R&P set-up and Red's headers. Even with the smaller, mini high-torque starter, I have to disconnet the exhaust and move it or drop the R&P set-up. Where is your interference? Does the new starter have the correct drive gear? Can you compare it with the old starter drive?

Rono.

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

Removing the two bolts that hold the drag link to the frame and dropping the tie rod down gives a lot more wiggle room.

 

Paul,

Boonville,MO

Ron:

Let me guess.  You were playing with the starter before you installed it and got the drive gear into the "crank" position, and now it only ratchets one way and won't retract.  That restricts the room you have to work with.  When I run into that, I hold the starter teeth against my spinning wire brush on the bench grinder so that it ratchets.  If the brush is large enough and fast enough, the starter drive will retract and help tremendously when you install the starter.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

John, that's Too Frickin' Funny. But so true. I have done that myself, years ago. Hahaa... Ron, I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing at the memories that John brought back, Me and a couple of friends taking turns under the car trying to get that starter back in. "What the... it came out OK!! Why won't it go back in!!!"



Go have a Beer and do what John suggested in the Morning.



Wear your face shield and goggles when using the wire wheel.

BOB

Thanks guys.  And come on John, give me a little credit!  ha ha ha.. I learned about the bendix years ago when I first put it together.  I used a model airplane starter (another one fo my stupid hobbies) to get it to retract...

I eventually got the starter in.  I still dont know how; couldnt do it again if i had to.  Got 2 of the 3 bolts in.  I tried the stud trick for the upper one; there wanst enough room to get the starter ear over the end of the stud due to block interference.  I screwed the stud in as far as i could and still have enough thread for the nut, but still no luck.  After overr an hour trying to get the top bolt in, im done.  It will be 2 bolts until i can get it to my buddies shop with a lift - maybe that will help.....

Tomorrow will be the solenoid and ign switch.....and power steering hoses...

Thanks everybody!!  I really appreciate it!

Ron Grove

Wauconda, IL

There ron, i told you the cursing would work!

  AussieBill            YYYY    Forever Y Block     YYYY

 Down Under, Australia

Ron:

Sorry about not giving you credit for knowing about the bendix.  How do you suppose I knew about that problem?  Glad you got the starter in finally.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"