Will 59 A-B flywheel fit an 8BA ?
 

I’m removing a 59AB from a ‘46 Mercury to install a ‘53 Ford 8ba.
The 8ba has a rough looking flywheel that needs a starter ring gear.
Will the 59AB flywheel fit?
If not I need to order a ring gear pronto.
Thanks in advance.
Oh, also was a 46 Merc engine light blue or dark blue?

Re: Will 59 A-B flywheel fit an 8BA ?
 

no...not interchangeable.

Re: Will 59 A-B flywheel fit an 8BA ?
 

It’s also not very difficult to replace the ring gear on your 8BA flywheel. Take a hacksaw or Port-a-band and split the old one until it comes off. Pay attention to the direction of the taper on the teeth. You need to make an assessment of the surface and have it machined at this point if necessary. Place a new ring gear in your oven with the temp set as high as it will bake. Once it heats up, use a pair of pliers and place it on the flywheel as it will easily go on while hot. Make sure to get the teeth facing the proper direction.

Re: Will 59 A-B flywheel fit an 8BA ?
 

The actual flywheel is different and not interchangeable between the two.

Re: Will 59 A-B flywheel fit an 8BA ?
 

I heated the ring gear on the barbie when I replaced the ring gear on my 8ba. Didn't want to upset mama. Also, put the flywheel in the freezer as well.

Re: Will 59 A-B flywheel fit an 8BA ?
 

putting it in freezer didn't upset her?

Re: Will 59 A-B flywheel fit an 8BA ?
 

I have done three or more ring gears on 8ba flywheels, maybe twenty on other engines..when MG and Austin cars had Bendix starter drives I must have done fifty. At least.
I have always sawed half way through and then broke them with a chisel.
I have done some that had such a large flange behind the gear I had to heat them to get them off. Maybe was the MG 1100 and the original Mini and Mini Cooper.
To put them on I first get a good hold on them with two pairs of vice grips.
I heat the ring gear with Ochs acetalene.
I have the flywheel laying on two pieces of 2X4 on the concrete floor.
Wearing heavy leather gloves is also a good idea for in case something drops or slides off.
I have never cooled the flywheel before but I’m going to this time. There are two freezers in my garage/workshop.
I can resurface the flywheel but I will need to send it out to get it balanced.
Thanks for all the tips guys.
Aaron Griffey, Hayward,CA

Re: Will 59 A-B flywheel fit an 8BA ?
 

Oh, I once put the ring gear on a Jaguar XJ6 backwards.
I finished the car at quitting time and figured out it was on backwards.
I stayed, dropped the dual exhaust system off again, pulled the trans mission and flex plate, heated the reading gear, turned it around and finished the job before I left that day.
Now I am super careful about how it goes on!
I changed a few on MG1100s without taking the flywheel off. Gotta get them plenty hot so you don’t have to hammer them too hard. That’s bad for the thrust bearings.

Re: Will 59 A-B flywheel fit an 8BA ?
 

No need to break the old ring gear, I've used a punch to knock the old ring gear off.
Many times.

Karl

Re: Will 59 A-B flywheel fit an 8BA ?
 

cant do that on a pre 49 ford, they have a small lip that the ring gear needs to expand enough to get over it without breaking it. not sure about 8ba's, haven't played with many of those

Re: Will 59 A-B flywheel fit an 8BA ?
 

The two generations of flywheels sit at different distances with regard to starter drive.....59 AB on left. MUST use proper wheel!


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...2&d=1430414858


1946 Mercury blue....YOU decide! DD


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...9&d=1588632049




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Re: Will 59 A-B flywheel fit an 8BA ?
 

Back in the 70s there was no internet to tell me it couldn't be done, I skimmed a little off the back of the 46 truck flywheel so it didn't rub, modified a starter drive to go deeper into the ring gear when the 49 mercury engine was used

Beating a ring gear off the flywheel will damage the retaining ledge that is larger in diameter than the area the ring gear is supposed to shrink into when it cools----

Re: Will 59 A-B flywheel fit an 8BA ?
 

Original question... will it fit? Yes, of course it will fit. Different question, will it work? Heck no.

Re: Will 59 A-B flywheel fit an 8BA ?
 

You’re right Bob, anything can be made to fit. Most anything.
An old friend used to say, “We can put the engine in up side down if you’ve got the time and the money.”

Re: Will 59 A-B flywheel fit an 8BA ?
 

They did that back in the old days with V8-60's in midgets. I've seen an old picture or two.

Re: Will 59 A-B flywheel fit an 8BA ?
 

Used the freezer in my beer fridge in the garage.

Re: Will 59 A-B flywheel fit an 8BA ?
 

True scoop! The "Shay-Vendersalh V8-60 ran both upside down, and backwards rotation. About 1941 in the Denver area. DD


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