Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines starter

the starter in my truck has gone bad. it works fine on the bench, but when i put it back in the truck it just clonks and won't turn the engine over . it used to work 'till the solenoid gave up, i have replaced that.
the engine no isF305A this is stamped behind the distributer.i am told that this is a '57 car engine.as it has the smaller clutch this would seem to be right.the casting no on the starter is 481,i am told that thi is a '56 car starter.question are these the correct yearsfor these components? if so, are they compatible? is there any difference between a '56 and '57 starter? any clues as to whats wrong with the starter? as these aren't cheap i don't want to get a new one only to find it won't fit. i can't just take it to the store to compare it so i really need to know before spending any more money. thanks for any opinions on this, hope someone can help. merv

I have seen a few just rebuilt starters from parts houses that would just clunk on the car but would turn over fine on the bench.I have also seen them tested at the parts store and they said they were good but you see under a real load they wouldn't work.This could be what's happening with yours.Good luck with it..........


------------------
Inline sixers do it in the mud all day long!

If the starter in question was on and working before, then it can't be the wrong one. There are two different ones, 6 volt and 12 volt. The number of teeth on them is different and you can't mix the two around without changing the flywheel to match. The 12 volt starter has 9 teeth on it. It should also have a red tag, the 6 volt ones are black.

If you disconnect the solinoid (and power)from the armature, and move the lever by hand, you should be able to see from underneath wheather or not its engaging the flywheel properly.

Generally, when you engage a starter and all you get is noise, either something is worn alot, or you have a bad connection somewhere. Assuming the solinoid is good, then I would go over all of your connections, especially the battery, and make sure they are all clean and tight. If all this is good, and the teeth will engage the flywheel by hand, then I would think that possibly the shaft bushings are out of round and/or the brushes are shot.

Email me if you want to, I have an extra 12 volt car starter (used) for a 235/261 that works fine.

------------------
1950 Chevy pickup with '62 261, 4 speed.