Author Topic: Starter won't fit the Cleveland (Read 590 times)

cmayna · « **on:** January, 09, 2010, 08:22:36 PM »

Does anyone have an extra starter laying around which they can measure the main case diameter? I bought a supposed 351 cleveland starter which apparently has the same bolt pattern but when aligning up to go in, I see the front portion of the starter's case it hitting the oil pan. It is so close but yet "no soup for me"

daveSanborn · « **Reply #1 on:** January, 09, 2010, 08:29:21 PM »

That's weird Craig.... are you sure you're not trying to use a Windsor starter or something? I never had any problems mounting up a starter on the Cleve in my '68. Fit was perfect.

cmayna · « **Reply #2 on:** January, 10, 2010, 06:36:18 AM »

NAPA says the starter I got is for a cleveland with a Manual tranny. Wouldn't a regular say 65/66 mustang starter fit? I'm going to take the starter back to NAPA today and see if they have my old one I gave up for a core charge. I'd like to measure the diameters.

Fast68back · « **Reply #3 on:** January, 10, 2010, 08:50:27 AM »

When I swapped my toploader for the T5 I could not use the same starter, it would not seat all the way in. I knew the late model mini starter would work, so thats when I swapped them.

Midlife · « **Reply #4 on:** January, 10, 2010, 09:26:10 AM »

It hits the oil pan? Or the bell housing won't allow it to go all the way in? If the latter, remember that almost all SBF's have their starters reversed for automagic and manual trannies. The store-bought manual starter won't fit into the manual bellhousing, as it really is an automagic starter with a longer snout.

Sacbill · « **Reply #5 on:** January, 10, 2010, 07:52:57 PM »

Quote from: cmayna on January, 10, 2010, 06:36:18 AM

NAPA says the starter I got is for a cleveland with a Manual tranny. Wouldn't a regular say 65/66 mustang starter fit? I'm going to take the starter back to NAPA today and see if they have my old one I gave up for a core charge. I'd like to measure the diameters.

I recently got a '65-style fuel pump from NAPA that didn't fit properly on my small-block (Outer edge of diaphragm plate push up against oil pan). Kragen didn't have the right one either. Maybe the same 'non-fit' problem is bugging you, too?

guruatbol · « **Reply #6 on:** January, 10, 2010, 08:05:41 PM »

Craig, when I did the T5 and the TKO swap I had to get new starters. The one in the book at NAPA is wrong. Um, when I get back in town I'll look at the one on the TKO, it is on the lift right now and see what it is. I know I don't have a Clevo, but it should be a starting point.

I should be back on Tuesday.

Mel

cmayna · « **Reply #7 on:** January, 11, 2010, 06:45:30 AM »

I'm going to contact Bruce of ModernDriveline to see what he says. I've heard that a mini starter for a 96 Thunderbird takes care of my problem but they're not cheap.

gotstang · « **Reply #8 on:** January, 11, 2010, 10:19:23 AM »

Quote from: cmayna on January, 11, 2010, 06:45:30 AM

I've heard that a mini starter for a 96 Thunderbird takes care of my problem but they're not cheap.

You might want to visit your local wrecking yard. Ford used ministarters that will fit most conventional engines from 1991 until ~2005. All you should need is a starter from something 2WD and manual trans. Cars with a "conventional" engine like a 3.8/4.2 V6 or 5.0L are best, heck a 300 I6 starter should fit as well.

Sacbill · « **Reply #9 on:** January, 11, 2010, 09:10:30 PM »

Quote from: gotstang on January, 11, 2010, 10:19:23 AM

You might want to visit your local wrecking yard. Ford used ministarters that will fit most conventional engines from 1991 until ~2005. All you should need is a starter from something 2WD and manual trans. Cars with a "conventional" engine like a 3.8/4.2 V6 or 5.0L are best, heck a 300 I6 starter should fit as well.

Sounds like a job for crustycurmudgeon!

crustycurmudgeon · « **Reply #10 on:** January, 11, 2010, 11:16:37 PM »

Well, I can't easily go shimmying under junkyard cars on my lunch break without getting dirty. I only occasionally go on the weekend.

Frank

cmayna · « **Reply #11 on:** January, 12, 2010, 09:05:53 AM »

Yeah right Frank. Then how come you have had all your mail rerouted to Pick-n-nose, San Jose, CA.??????

Bruce of Modern Driveline sent me an email saying that if I want to make it easy just get a starter from a 91-95 Mustang 5.0L. They are plentiful and small.