Starter trouble

[Thorssen]

Have '38 Ford with a '51 8BA V8 adapted to original 3-speed with an early 50's F1 flywheel. Starter locks up occasionally and can usually be jared loose but a real pain. Will a another starter or starter drive solve the problem? Any help appreciated.

[1931 flamingo]

As others more knowledgeable may state, it might be damaged teeth on the starter drive or the ring gear itself.
Paul in CT

[51504bat]

Had a similar problem in my '39 p/u with an 8ba mated to the original '39 3 speed using a Merc (or truck) 1/2 bell housing. Turns out the PO had used the starter plated from a car (full bell housing) instead of the correct starter plate for a 1/2 bell application. The car plate places the starter on a slight angle whereas the correct plate mounts the starter perpendicular to the plate. There is an excellent article with photos about this issue. I have it on my computer but can't post it. I'll keep trying.

[joe 1950]

i had a similar problem with my stock 50 ,jammed up ,took the starter off didn’t really see anything wrong ,but replaced the drive with nos and no problems since ,about 3 years now but did learn from an old friend ,that it was a common problem back in the day ,but he said they would put it in gear with ignition off and rock it back and forth and it will disengage ,hope this helps

[51504bat]

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Originally Posted by 51504bat

Had a similar problem in my '39 p/u with an 8ba mated to the original '39 3 speed using a Merc (or truck) 1/2 bell housing. Turns out the PO had used the starter plated from a car (full bell housing) instead of the correct starter plate for a 1/2 bell application. The car plate places the starter on a slight angle whereas the correct plate mounts the starter perpendicular to the plate. There is an excellent article with photos about this issue. I have it on my computer but can't post it. I'll keep trying.

Not the best picture in the world but the best I could do.