1960 Buick Starter (401- Invicta)

[JohnO]

Every once and while the starter clashes with the flywheel when I attempt to start the car (401 - Invicta). It always happens when the car is warm. I would like to change the starter and put in a mini-starter. Two questions:

1) Does the starter drop staight down when the bolts are removed? In other words no obstructions such as the exhaust manifold.

2) Are the mini-starters an easy install and are they reliable?

Thank you

[d2_willys]

Every once and while the starter clashes with the flywheel when I attempt to start the car (401 - Invicta). It always happens when the car is warm. I would like to change the starter and put in a mini-starter. Two questions:

1) Does the starter drop staight down when the bolts are removed? In other words no obstructions such as the exhaust manifold.

2) Are the mini-starters an easy install and are they reliable?

Thank you

I think the starter bolts to the bell housing, so after removing the attaching bolts, you will need to pull the starter away from the bell housing then drop. So if the starter back end is near any exhaust, etc. then chances are those interfering pieces will need to be removed.

Don't know about the mini-starters being available for nailheads.

[70 Electra]

Every once and while the starter clashes with the flywheel when I attempt to start the car (401 - Invicta). It always happens when the car is warm. I would like to change the starter and put in a mini-starter. Two questions:

1) Does the starter drop staight down when the bolts are removed? In other words no obstructions such as the exhaust manifold.

2) Are the mini-starters an easy install and are they reliable?

Thank you

Hey John,
Why so quick to ditch the factory starting system? They work fine, when everything is in order.

Sounds like you need a repair, not "new technology". I'm no starter expert, but suspect your unit is not fully engaging (or can't MAINTAIN full engagement) when 'hot'. Probably nothing that a starter repair/rebuild wouldn't fix.

[JohnO]

Hi Greg, I've replaced starters on my old 73 Electra and my current 68 Wildcat, so I am somewhat familar with the process. However, I thought I read somewhere that the exhaust had to be removed in order to get the starter off of a 401. If that is the case I'm leaning towards having the shop do it. If the shop does it, I'm sure they don't want to store the car while the starter is being rebuilt. Hence, the question about the mini-starter. Thanks.

[RivNut]

I've replaced the starter on my '63 Riviera with the 401 and not had to take any exhaust parts off. It's heavy and awkward but it can be done.

Tom Telesco makes mini starters for nailheads, but you'd have to ask him if he makes them with the longer nose for reaching the starter ring gear on the dynalflow. Here's Tom's contact information.

E-mail, telriv@yahoo.com or telriv@msn.com
Phone, days, 8Am-6Pm, M-F, (203) 324-6045
Snail mail: Tom Telesco
C/O Classic & Muscle Automotive
465 Glenbrook Rd.
Stamford, Ct. 06906-1820

[jazzfi]

i'm planning to crawl underneath my '60 electra and drop the starter tonight, anything i should be aware of?

[FLYER15015]

JohnO,
Since you say this only happen when she's hot, it sure sounds like the "bendix" just needs some lube.
I'd drop the starter and lube it up good with some high temp grease and throw it back in. Check the bendix gear for worn/ broken teeth while you have it out. These can be purchased separately at a whole lot less than a new starter.

Just my $ .02

Mike in colorado