[Frenchy32]

Would someone post pictures of early and late starters. I know that there is a difference between certain years. Which will fit in early oil pan vs later oil pan. The difference on the early oil pan is the depth of the colar at the rear of the pan to accept a certain starter. The later oil pan have less depth which can make the difference on which starter you are going to use.

Thanks
Frenchy

[peecher]

Lincolns used Ford starters up until '47. The '47-'48 starters had a longer out put shaft and used a "new" starter" drive which was smaller in diameter. The starter cover on the '47-'48 oil pans were longer to accomodater the extra length. It does get a bit more complicated. The ( flexible) flywheels used on the '47-'48 cars would not clear the starter drive on the regular Ford starter so they are unique. The (flexible) flywheels used on the '42 and '46 cars were uncut slightly to clear the regular Ford starter drive. The solid flywheels used on the '41 and older engines cannot be used on the '42 to '48 engines due to the protruding hub on the '42 to '48 crankshafts. Early oil pans can be used with the late style starter by cutting off the end cap of the starter drive housing and installing an extension housing, a Hersey's Chocolate syrup can is a perfect fit ( painted black of course).
Here's a pic of the 5EL starter used on the '47-'48 V12. It's the one in the foreground the other is a starter used on a flathead V8 lincoln and use the same drive. The "balanced " design of the drive was supposed to give a more "pleasing" sound to the starter.

[Ryan Q]

Originally Posted by peecher

The "balanced " design of the drive was supposed to give a more "pleasing" sound to the starter.

Just reading that brought a smile to my face..... and though I've never thought of it specifically, I guess I do find it pleasing everytime my lincoln starts up...

[Frenchy32]

Peecher I appreciate you helping me by posting this picture. On my 1948 Block I use the early flywheel and had the end of the flywheel turned down for it to fit over the end of the crankshaft as well as the inside of the flywheel. So I use the starter at the top. The problem I am having now is at times the starter is getting hung up on the flywheel so I have to loosen up the starter and than put it back in place for it to turn over and start the motor.

Thanks
Frenchy

[nasmith]

Starters in flat head Fords and Lincoln V-12's sometimes jammed and would make the engine seem as though it was seized. The problem could be alleviated as you describe, Frenchy, or sometimes you could rock the car back and forth while in high gear and the starter would break loose. There is supposed to be a small bracket that connects the forward end of the starter to the crankcase - the jamming problem may be a result of the bracket being missing and allowing the startef to flex.

Norm

[toyopet]

Thanks Norm

I do have the small bracket at the front of the starter to help support it as it is a heavy piece. I have tried to rock the car back and forth with no luck. Not a big deal just that you have to remove the starter a bit and re install it and everything is ok.

Frenchy

[Mssr. Bwatoe]

those starters in the photo have the same, prewar style bendix! not the late 48 longer recoil
design..look..they are the same..with different endplate..and maybe internals..but recheck
your stuff Mr Peecher... I dont have one handy to photo..but I can..shaft and bendix are same
Hey Phil, get the camera out..

[peecher]

Jeff, the bendix springs are very similar for both the Ford and 5EH drives but are slightly different and do have different p/ns.
Frenchy, Are you trying to use a '47-'48 starter with the solid flywheel? Not sure if the crankshaft flange on the post-war crank would locate the ring gear on the solid flywheel the same as the pre-war crank? If the flange on the crank is in the same location as the pre-war crank the regular Ford starter should work for your set up. Just guessing but if there is some mis-match as far as locating the starter drive to the ring gear, a "shim" between the starter and oil pan mount might be in order to correct any overtravel of the starter drive?

[toyopet]

Thanks Peecher I will look and take pictures of my starter and show you the style I have.

Thanks
Frenchy

[peecher]

Frenchy, Here's a pic of the 2 starters used on the 12's.The one at the top is the regular Ford used on cars up to early '47. The lower one is the 5EH used on late '47-'48 cars. As you can see the out put shaft is a little longer on the 5EH starter. note: The "ridge" at the rear of the engaging gear on the regular Ford starter will interfer with the area behind the ring gear on the later '47-'48 flexible flywheel. You shouldn't have this problem with the solid flywheel.