flywheel ring gear location
 

I have just finished replacing my clutch disc and PP, converting to a diaphram type from Centerforce. To get the correct bolt pattern for the PP i found a flywheel that seemed to be identical to the one I had. However i did not check every dimension vs the old flywheel. Now installed, I find ring gear measures 1.5 inch from the starter mounting surface on the pan, and 1 13/16" to the far side of the ring gear from the mounting surface. my replacement starter has a newer style bendix and measures 1.5" when relaxed from the pinion to the starter mounting surface. Installing an older style bendix I now find I have 1 13/16" when relaxed. Will I be ok or is the fit too close? any input will be appreciated. I considered installing a brass washer on the starter shaft close to the housing to compress the bendix spring slightly to increase clearance. My engine is a 1940 flathead v8 as best I can confirm. I have not been able to find any spec sheets for flywheels nor do I think I had the origional flywheel. THanks

Re: flywheel ring gear location
 

Maybe this will help. The 59A flywheel works from 32-48. The 8BA is 49-53

Re: flywheel ring gear location
 

Attachment 560431if the shape of the lip by the crank flange recess is an indication, then I have a 8ba flywheel. Are the starters different, the bendix different for the starters for these blocks?
I have tried to attach a pix of my old flywheel and the replacement. Looks the same, the black one is the old.

Re: flywheel ring gear location
 

The starters are the same, but the flywheel flange recess and the location of where starter is placed with either the pan ('32-'48) or with the cast or stamped steel bell housing ('49-'53) moves the bendix enough that the correct flywheel must be used for corresponding year of the engine or there will be binding or incorrect engagement of the bendix.

Re: flywheel ring gear location
 

Normally, 8ba's have the PP bolt holes drilled all the way thru, like in Kens photo, and earlier wheels have blind holes, again, see Kens photo. Your black one has holes all the way thru...somthin funny goin on here.

Re: flywheel ring gear location
 

Both of those flywheels are 8BA and won’t work correctly with your engine. You need the earlier 59A style flywheel.

Re: flywheel ring gear location
 

I think the one on the left is from a truck with an 11" clutch. Unless going in a truck, I would look or redrill for a 10" clutch. Cars don't need the 11" clutch.

Re: flywheel ring gear location
 

will the oil pan from 49-53 fit my 40 block? would that change get my starter located properly with my 8ba flywheel?

Re: flywheel ring gear location
 

Unfortunately not. The earlier pans form the lower 1/2 of the bell housing and also has the provision for mounting the starter.

I know it's a hassle, but you should be able to find an early flywheel pretty easily to make it right. There are literally millions of them made. Someone here must have a used one they be willing to sell. Shipping will be a bear and you should get a used one resurfaced.

Re: flywheel ring gear location
 

Several years ago I had a known 8ba flywheel that didn't have the PP bolt holes that went completely through the flywheel. Just saying

Re: flywheel ring gear location
 

His original flywheel is a long style, and the new one is, from what I know, a odd ball 51 Mercury diaphragm style. At least that is what is in my brothers early 51 Mercury. My 51 was a late 51 and had the long style.
I am not aware of a diaphragm style for the 59a engine unless it is aftermarket.

Re: flywheel ring gear location
 

I think I have a correct 1940 flywheel that has been ground and balanced. If you like, I can check what clutch size it is set for.

Re: flywheel ring gear location
 

Kind offer from Kube, but I'll bet Mat at the Iron Trap garage would have a pile of them.
He's in Pa. I think, maybe close enough to drive over and pick one up

Re: flywheel ring gear location
 

I think the reason for the OP trying to use the Merc flywheel is to gain a bolt pattern to use his diaphram clutch.