52 Mercury Starter

[RalphG]

Just curious if anyone knows if a starter from a 53 Merc with 3 speed standard transmission will fit a 52 with automatic? I have this spare from the 53 (on the right in photo). Plus I acquired the one on the left of unknown history but its been painted black so maybe rebuilt? They both look identical with Ford 6 volt on the tags.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by RalphG

Just curious if anyone knows if a starter from a 53 Merc with 3 speed standard transmission will fit a 52 with automatic? I have this spare from the 53 (on the right in photo). Plus I acquired the one on the left of unknown history but its been painted black so maybe rebuilt? They both look identical with Ford 6 volt on the tags.

[1942deluxe]

I thought they were the same from 1932-53 on the manual transmissions. The automatic had a different starter drive if I remember correctly. Oddly enough I have a NOS starter drive for the automatics (B1A number) if someone needs one.

[jimvette59]

Count the teeth on both starter Bendix drives, if they are the same install it.. JMO.

[Merc Cruzer]

1953 Merc:

Automatic and standard starters.

First picture : auto on top
Third picture: auto on left.

[RalphG]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by Merc Cruzer

1953 Merc:

Automatic and standard starters.

First picture : auto on top
Third picture: auto on left.

Wow, quite the difference between standard and automatic. Thanks for the info. I guess I'll forget about my plans of rebuilding one of these for a spare for the 52 automatic. Mine still works but the cranking speed has always been so slow on six volts that I wonder if it needs work. Yes, I have the heavy battery cables and an oversize tractor battery but my 39 Deluxe turns over twice as fast as the 52 Mercomatic.

[jimvette59]

Thank you Merc Cruzer I looked for a automatic Bendix in some catalogs and didn't find one. Thanks again. Jim T.

[rotorwrench]

The automatics used their own starter. The key difference is the armature and the one bolt on the flange. The through bolts are different lengths an the end plate it a bit different as is the end bushing. The armature is made for the late type drive.

The 1CM and FAE units for automatics both used the pin for the drive and are pretty much interchangeable between the 51 through 53 cars.

[1942deluxe]

I learned something. The NOS B1A -11350-A starter drive I have is for 49-53 with standard transmission and overdrive.

[RalphG]

Hear how slow it turns in this video from today. https://youtu.be/1pNkiRgW3Jg

[38 coupe]

Notice how much smaller the gear on the automatic starter bendix is compared to the standard starter. If both starters spin the same speed the automatic equipped engine will turn over more slowly. All 6V Fordomatic cars I have been around spin the engine slowly on the starter, and still start right up.

[RalphG]

Originally Posted by 38 coupe

Notice how much smaller the gear on the automatic starter bendix is compared to the standard starter. If both starters spin the same speed the automatic equipped engine will turn over more slowly. All 6V Fordomatic cars I have been around spin the engine slowly on the starter, and still start right up.

Interesting and makes sense. Sounds like an ideal application for one of those reduction drive starters that people are using to update the older tractors. Though I doubt any are available for six volt flathead engines.