starter

[alvin stadel]

I feel like a dumb A-- asking this after all the years I'v messed with and built Y-blocks, but did Ford make 2 different length starters?  Today I went to put in the starter on my 312 that I have in the RHT I'm restoring and it is to long.  I have never had this problem before. I can probably get it in if I drop part of the steering linkage, but should not have to do this.  I'v had the starter for a long time and had it rebuilt thinking it would a drop right in, but no go. any help or ideas would be welcome.  Thanks, Alvin

[terry_208]

Will rotating the steering allow enough room to install it?

[hiball3985]

On the standard steering cars I have always unbolted the idler arm from the frame to allow the tie rods to drop. I don't know about power steering models but I would assume it would be the same. Then a little wiggling to get it up and in..

[Ray]

The steering must bee turned either hard right or hard left. I don't recall which way. I know it works. Mine has power steering and a longer generator because of the factory air and still works. I had mine in and out about three times a few years ago.

[alvin stadel]

I finally got it. I'v never had this happen be fore, I had the starter rebuilt about 6 months ago and never really payed any attention to it until I went to put it in. the starter drive was stuck in the engage position, which made it to long to go in.  A friend of mine has had this happen to him before and put the drive gear against a steel brush on his bench grinder and it spun it fast enough to release it. I took it to my shop and it went right in, no problem.  I think this is going to b my last resto as I am forgetting much more than I can remember.  Take care, Alvin