The Ford Barn

Detroit Flathead · 09-18-2011, 07:18 PM

I recently learned that a 1951 Mercomatic / Fordomatic starter has different mounting with a tab for a bolt sticking out from main body, a different drive assembly, and different toothcount. I'm mounting this to an 8BA Flathead. I need some help determining if either of the starters pictured below are for an 8BA with a Merc-o-matic. I've been told the one on the left is, with the tabs on it, but it doesn't seem to mount correctly. Can anyone else throw in their two cents? The starter on the left with tabs has 9 teeth. The other starter, with the corkscrew shaft, has 10 teeth. Does anyone have a picture of their Flathead with automatic transmission and starter installed? If these aren't for an automatic, do you have one for sale?

If this looks familiar, it's because I also posted in on Jalopy Journal a week or two back. Perhaps I can get more info here. Thanks.

Walt Dupont--Me. · 09-18-2011, 08:49 PM

I think the left one is the one but not sure of the bolt poatten. I have one in my storage barn that came off a flathead with and auto. I'll check it tomorrow. Walt

Bruce Compton, Canada · 09-18-2011, 10:02 PM

I have a rebuilt one that came off a '51 Ford with a Fordomatic. I can bring it to Hershey if that helps. Bruce

51 MERC-CT · 09-19-2011, 07:04 AM

This is what the one looks like for my '51. The two thru bolts fasten to the bell housing along with one bolt and nut in the tab. It has a 9 tooth drive gear. Neither one of the ones you have look correct.

Detroit Flathead · 09-19-2011, 07:11 AM

Thanks you for your replies, gentlemen.

51 Merc-CT: That starter looks like it would fit. My Merc-o-matic is from a '51 Merc. Thank you for the picture.

Bruce Compton: I'm interested in yours.

Kurt in NJ · 09-19-2011, 07:55 AM

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Your starter on the left also looks much like the starter I fixed on a 58 lincoln.

Merc Cruzer · 09-20-2011, 09:30 AM

Detroit:

I have a 53' Merc and the I too went through the same issue. The difference was one was for the automatic and the other was for the standard trans. The one on the left is for the auto trans.

Detroit Flathead · 09-22-2011, 10:23 PM

Merc Cruzer,
Thanks for the picture and info.

WABOOM · 07-31-2020, 09:42 AM

Here's a pic of my Merc-o-matic starter from my '51

09-18-2011, 08:49 PM	#2
Walt Dupont--Me. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Gardiner Me. Posts: 4,200	Re: Starter for 8BA Flathead with Merc-o-matic I think the left one is the one but not sure of the bolt poatten. I have one in my storage barn that came off a flathead with and auto. I'll check it tomorrow. Walt

09-18-2011, 10:02 PM	#3
Bruce Compton, Canada Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 416	Re: Starter for 8BA Flathead with Merc-o-matic I have a rebuilt one that came off a '51 Ford with a Fordomatic. I can bring it to Hershey if that helps. Bruce

09-19-2011, 07:11 AM	#5
Detroit Flathead Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 23	Re: Starter for 8BA Flathead with Merc-o-matic Thanks you for your replies, gentlemen. 51 Merc-CT: That starter looks like it would fit. My Merc-o-matic is from a '51 Merc. Thank you for the picture. Bruce Compton: I'm interested in yours.

09-19-2011, 07:55 AM	#6
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,159	Re: Starter for 8BA Flathead with Merc-o-matic Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Your starter on the left also looks much like the starter I fixed on a 58 lincoln.

09-22-2011, 10:23 PM	#8
Detroit Flathead Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Detroit, MI Posts: 23	Re: Starter for 8BA Flathead with Merc-o-matic Merc Cruzer, Thanks for the picture and info.

07-31-2020, 09:42 AM	#9
WABOOM Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Minnesota Posts: 347	Re: Starter for 8BA Flathead with Merc-o-matic Here's a pic of my Merc-o-matic starter from my '51