Starter Insulater spacer

[TOMRR]

Does any one use the thin spacer plate that goes between the starter and the bellhousing. In the past I just bolted it up to the bellhousing

Thanks Tom C

 

[snakeoil24]

Yes it keeps water out of the bellhousing.

 

[Yatzee]

I found it hard to believe that this piece of metal was actually required but after researching it a bit I came to some realizations I never thought I would. Some bell housings have a recess built right into them where the nose at the bendix end sat into. I guess there were vintage starters that extended into the recess to give support to the longer nose starters especially with big blocks. Seems it was easier to make the bell housings the same way instead of casting a new mold. If the spacer was not there, some starters would push too tightly against the bell housing and either would not seat properly or crack the bell. Spacers were also used to set the throw of the bendix gear so it didn't go too deep into the flywheel teeth thus making disengagement more positive with less chance of drag. Honestly, I don't know why the new mini starters don't break the end off the starter casing when spooling up a big block but I suppose the shorter length and stronger materials make them stouter.

 

[2059]

Does any one use the thin spacer plate that goes between the starter and the bellhousing. In the past I just bolted it up to the bellhousing

Thanks Tom C

Absolutely. Matter of fact just tied in the trans on Friday and made sure the plate was installed before setting the starter... Probably not going to have a castrophic failure if it's not there however; if you have it. Install it....

 

[mrsnicks]

Pictures of what you're talking about?

Patrick