360 fe starter/flexplate mismatch?

Clutch, transmission, rear axle

Moderators: FORDification, 70_F100

Post Reply
69_ranger
New Member
New Member
Posts: 10
Joined: Sun Jan 28, 2018 4:26 pm

360 fe starter/flexplate mismatch?

Post by 69_ranger »

I recently bought a 69 ford Ranger with 360(supposedly, at least thats what the VIN code says) and an automatic. it has been in a barn for 16 years and I am going thru it to see what it needs to get going. The starter was making a loud screeching sound like it was binding up so I had it tested and it tested good. Upon further inspection, I found that the flex plate teeth measure 1/4 inch apart and the starter teeth measure 3/8 inch apart. The starter is the correct starter but apparently the flex plate has been changed at some point. Really don't want to pull the engine. would love to just find an fe starter with narrower teeth spacing. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.
Busboy
Blue Oval Fanatic
Blue Oval Fanatic
Posts: 943
Joined: Sat Jan 24, 2015 9:51 am
Location: Nampa Idaho

Re: 360 fe starter/flexplate mismatch?

Post by Busboy »

I don't know that that is a problem. The flywheel teeth will be closer just due to the huge difference in diameter between the two.
1967 F-100 4x4 custom cab.
Another 67 F-100 4x4 custom cab.
2016 F-150 Eco-Boost 2.7 liter. (It will smoke the tires!)
1972 F-350 Sport Custom cab & chassis.
1972 F-250 Explorer Special, Camper Special.
1971 F-100 custom. 302, C-4, p.s. p.b. factory 65 amp alternator with transistorized voltage regulator.
69_ranger
New Member
New Member
Posts: 10
Joined: Sun Jan 28, 2018 4:26 pm

Re: 360 fe starter/flexplate mismatch?

Post by 69_ranger »

I have been known to have major brain farts before but I don't understand busboy. The flex plate teeth (center to center) are 1/4 inch. The starter gear teeth(center to center) are 3/8 inch. Won't fit regardless of diameter of each component. I think. Starter tested good. But I notice when I tried to crank over engine, the starter would not fully disengage from the flex plate, like it was stuck. Thats what got me to measuring the teeth.
SoCal250
New Member
New Member
Posts: 75
Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2016 3:18 am

Re: 360 fe starter/flexplate mismatch?

Post by SoCal250 »

The 360/390 flexplate should be 184 tooth hope they just put on the wrong starter how does the teeth look did you pull the starter ? Before I did the rebuild on my 69 390/C6 it wouldn't even start the flexplate and starter were so worn the were binding up it just clicked .
cep62
100% FORDified!
100% FORDified!
Posts: 2035
Joined: Sun Oct 26, 2008 8:06 pm
Location: West Michigan

Re: 360 fe starter/flexplate mismatch?

Post by cep62 »

A ring gear will have 4 places with excessive wear where the starter usually engages. (on a 90 degree V8).
If the starter won't engage, put a wrench on the crank bolt ,(7/8 or 15/16 )
and turn the engine a little to give the starter better teeth to grab hold of.
I had a truck that would pick the worst moments to not engage. eventually you'll need a new flexplate.
cep62
100% FORDified!
100% FORDified!
Posts: 2035
Joined: Sun Oct 26, 2008 8:06 pm
Location: West Michigan

Re: 360 fe starter/flexplate mismatch?

Post by cep62 »

69_ranger wrote:I have been known to have major brain farts before but I don't understand busboy.
Busboy wrote:I don't know that that is a problem. The flywheel teeth will be closer just due to the huge difference in diameter between the two.
What he is saying is the teeth are closer on the ring gear but the starter will still engage it.

I never really thought about it but maybe it skips a tooth ? Some day I might look at that . :hmm:
User avatar
colnago
100% FORDified!
100% FORDified!
Posts: 1882
Joined: Tue Jun 14, 2011 8:48 pm
Location: Ridgecrest, CA

Re: 360 fe starter/flexplate mismatch?

Post by colnago »

You can separate the engine from the tranny while keeping both in the truck, wide enough to switch flex plates. I had a cracked flex plate a few years ago. I just took it to a tranny shop and had them replace it, but it was $300 for parts (new flexplate) and labor.

Joseph
"Sugar", my 1967 Ford F250 2WD Camper Special, 352FE, Ford iron "T" Intake with 1405 Edelbrock, Duraspark II Ignition, C6 transmission, front disc brake conversion.
Post Reply