The Ford Barn

Pepsi Mechanic · 01-23-2011, 12:49 PM

I need some advice re a starter drive problem on our Early 1928 AA Pepsi truck . I recently had my old starter drive ( 1/2 shaft ) break . I have a spare starter on my shelf with a 5/8 shaft and drive . I installed the spare and when I went to start the truck the drive was very noisy engaging . The engine would turn over and start . Is this normal ? I managed to get the drive parts for the original 1/2 inch ( 1927 model T part ) and rebuilt and installed . It is much quieter . I also noticed that the ring gear was slightly damaged as well by the 5/8 in starter . I managed to file it clean
Why does the 5/8 in. not work right ?

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 01-23-2011, 01:11 PM

Typically because you have a different style flywheel in it.

/

Tom Wesenberg · 01-23-2011, 01:43 PM

You must have the multiplate flywheel, which doesn't have clearance for the spring mounting bolts and lock washers used on the 5/8" drive.

You'll need to use the original Abell drive, or the 1/2" replacement for it, called the "SERVICE DRIVE", as explained in the SERVICE BULLETINS.

gunmetal blue · 01-23-2011, 02:14 PM

Like your truck would you send me more pics of your truck. Mine is like yours but has 6 hole rims. Don't have #6 cross member or know how front of platform side rails are put on. I do have the wood steaks like yours. My e-mail address is [email protected] any pictures would help. If you have any spare parts that you would sell, tell me.

pooch · 01-23-2011, 05:15 PM

I had my 1/2 inch drive break off clean at end of armature.

Was able to repair it, and so far so good.

With the help of the forum here, it was determined that what caused it to break was a normal hex bolt holding the front spring tang on, whereas it should be a headless slotted stud .

The bolt head was hitting the flywheel and bending the shaft each starter revolution.

Did not last long before something gave out.

I think I have learned that a standard 5/8 drive hits the multi disc flywheel also.

I am wondering if it is only the bolt head too, as these come with a bolt as original.

Could that front bolt be changed to a slotted stud and would clear then?

I have a feeling that the 5/8 drive is just too large an overall diameter and spring hits too.

dunno, experts chime in.

Pepsi Mechanic · 01-23-2011, 05:23 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

When I rebuilt my 1/2 inch drive I noticed that the old drive had the inside nut wore down so I ground down the new bolt in the same fashion and she works great . I must agree that the 5/8 does not fit right .

pooch · 01-23-2011, 05:42 PM

The bolt should not have a head on it at all.

01-23-2011, 01:11 PM	#2
BRENT in 10-uh-C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern Tennessee Posts: 11,972	Re: Starter drive issue Typically because you have a different style flywheel in it. / __________________ . BRENT in 10-uh-C . www.model-a-ford.com ...(...Finally Updated!! ) .

01-23-2011, 01:43 PM	#3
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Starter drive issue You must have the multiplate flywheel, which doesn't have clearance for the spring mounting bolts and lock washers used on the 5/8" drive. You'll need to use the original Abell drive, or the 1/2" replacement for it, called the "SERVICE DRIVE", as explained in the SERVICE BULLETINS.

01-23-2011, 02:14 PM	#4
gunmetal blue Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Milford, Indiana Posts: 366	Re: Starter drive issue Like your truck would you send me more pics of your truck. Mine is like yours but has 6 hole rims. Don't have #6 cross member or know how front of platform side rails are put on. I do have the wood steaks like yours. My e-mail address is [email protected] any pictures would help. If you have any spare parts that you would sell, tell me.

01-23-2011, 05:15 PM	#5
pooch Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: South Coast NSW Australia Posts: 2,596	Re: Starter drive issue I had my 1/2 inch drive break off clean at end of armature. Was able to repair it, and so far so good. With the help of the forum here, it was determined that what caused it to break was a normal hex bolt holding the front spring tang on, whereas it should be a headless slotted stud . The bolt head was hitting the flywheel and bending the shaft each starter revolution. Did not last long before something gave out. I think I have learned that a standard 5/8 drive hits the multi disc flywheel also. I am wondering if it is only the bolt head too, as these come with a bolt as original. Could that front bolt be changed to a slotted stud and would clear then? I have a feeling that the 5/8 drive is just too large an overall diameter and spring hits too. dunno, experts chime in.

01-23-2011, 05:42 PM	#7
pooch Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: South Coast NSW Australia Posts: 2,596	Re: Starter drive issue The bolt should not have a head on it at all.

01-23-2011, 05:23 PM	#6
Pepsi Mechanic Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: London , Ontario , Canada Posts: 229	Re: Starter drive issue Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) When I rebuilt my 1/2 inch drive I noticed that the old drive had the inside nut wore down so I ground down the new bolt in the same fashion and she works great . I must agree that the 5/8 does not fit right .