Getting it to rotate
 

During the holidays, I will be visiting my Sis and Brother in law. He has a rebuilt engine now resting in the frame, that is very tight to turn. I wanted to build a starter plate crank I've seen on this board where it is installed in the starter mount and provides a place to ratchet the flywheel using the mechanical advantage of the ring-gear.
Now here's the catch, this is an early engine equipped with a multi-plate clutch. I have some early starters with the narrow shaft, but they are hard to come by. I have more later style starter parts to use and they are a lot easier to find. The starter gears are smaller on the early shaft than the late.
I am wondering if I build on out of the late parts, will it work on a multi-plate ring gear? I do not want to waste anything needlessly.
Thanks in advance!

Re: Getting it to rotate
 

Yes, it will work fine on any engine or flywheel for the Model A. I made mine from a 5/8" shaft and large nut and later starter end plate with a broken mounting ring, and a 5/8" pinion from a broken Bendix. I used my cutoff wheel to grind off the pinion gear, then welded it to the shaft which was installed through the end plate. Be sure the end plate has a good bushing before you weld it. I didn't install a grease zerk because it won't do much turning.

BTW, if you notice the alignment ring (that fits the hole in the flywheel cover) is thin on one side and thick on the other side (engine side), this is what sets the starter away from the flywheel a little to make up for the larger diameter pinion. Both pinions however are still 10 tooth gears.

Re: Getting it to rotate
 

Thanks for the pix Tom, I have successfully created this tool!
I have an old engine stored in a shed that I have been saving to use as a spare. Shamefully, I have not turned it in a couple of years. I took the tool out into the engine and mounted it up. I used an 1 1/8th" Nut for the engine side to rotate on. That engine did not have a chance with the tool and a 18" breaker bar!
I added some more oil to the cylinders, and gave her a few rotations to lube it all up.
Sure made for easy work, and I want to thank you for the invention!
I have full confidence, we'll get the Brother in Law's engine turning and fired up for Christmas!

Re: Getting it to rotate
 

It isn't my invention, but it is a wonderful tool. I saw this tool on Jim Mason's website several years ago and figured that's a good way to use up some broken starter parts.

I'd bet it would be a good seller if someone wanted to go into production.:)

Re: Getting it to rotate
 

did you see snyders sells them

Re: Getting it to rotate
 

Thanks Mitch. I had no idea anyone was making and selling them. A bit pricey, but if each club had one they could share it in the club tool box.

Re: Getting it to rotate
 

How far should the pinion gear extend from the starter end plate. I am going to build one for our club,but do not have an engine to measure.

Thanks,John

Re: Getting it to rotate
 

Move the pinion to the ENGAGED position on an assembled starter, and you will see it's as in my first picture. This is where you want it because when you bolt the tool in place the drive will be full time engaged.:)

Re: Getting it to rotate
 

Thanks Tom

John