Help please: FE flywheel clutch bellhousing assembly not happening

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by eschaider

The starter engagement issue is pointing to the problem. You need to fix that problem before the engine goes into the car or you will start using starters. BTW, when you fix the starter problem your TOB problem will also go away — w/o grinding on the clutch release fork.

I think Ed's right. We've had quite a few "broken teeth" threads over the years because of poor starter/flywheel engagement and this situation just seems ripe for that problem.

[AC Ventura]

I agree, except that I rang Powermaster Technical and they said 70% is ideal as it enables the pinion to fire back easily.
Can't say I agree with that at all. Especially turning over a big block.

So machine 1/16" off the front of the starter flange? Don't really want another $500 flywheel....

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by AC Ventura

I agree, except that I rang Powermaster Technical and they said 70% is ideal as it enables the pinion to fire back easily.
Can't say I agree with that at all. Especially turning over a big block.

All of my Ford service manuals for FEs call for complete forward/back engagement on the ring gear and the depth must be greater than 1/2 of the ring gear tooth depth, as per the pics from this service manual below.

[eschaider]

Originally Posted by AC Ventura

I agree, except that I rang Powermaster Technical and they said 70% is ideal as it enables the pinion to fire back easily.
Can't say I agree with that at all. Especially turning over a big block.

So machine 1/16" off the front of the starter flange? Don't really want another $500 flywheel....

Originally Posted by patrickt

All of my Ford service manuals for FEs call for complete forward/back engagement on the ring gear and the depth must be greater than 1/2 of the ring gear tooth depth, as per the pics from this service manual below.

Patrickt is steering you in the right direction. I might consider having the material removed from the flywheel register that bolts to the crank. If you do it that way you kill two birds with one stone — you get proper starter pinion engagement with the flywheel and you also improve your TOB and clutch release arm clearance to the BH.


Ed