1959 FE starter

wbedwards

wbedwards

Senior Member
It took me 3 hours to get the starter off my 59' 361v8 Edsel. I finally had to loosen both sides of the exhaust down tubes and take the passenger side manifold off to get the starter out. I could not go far enough forward to clear the bendix spring on the end of the shaft. I was hitting the exhaust, exhaust manifold and the motor mount. I couldn't go up enough or down enough to clear it. Am I missing something or is this how it was done?
Also, what years fit? I'm assuming from 58-64 332,352,361,390?

thanks in advance
 
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Welcome to Ford engineering.
You can get a replacement short bendix from Marks One that replaces the old long bendix and still has the proper tooth count to mesh with your old flywheel. It engages from the front of the flywheel instead of the rear like the one you have. I forget the part number. I will try to find it if you are interested. I think its originally for a tractor setup.
 
With the suspension dropped down and the front wheels turned all to one direction, I have been able to get the starters to drop free.
 
O'Reily's 91-02-5788 says it fits everything Ford made from 56-61 including the 223/6 292/312 v8s 332/v8 352/v8 390/v8. Of course they don't list Edsel 361v8. the 332/352/390 supposed to be the same family engine. Think I'll be good with that one?

Upon edit, there is a local shop in Bessemer that will rebuild the one I have for 40 bucks. That sounds like the way to go.
 
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Ok, the guy at the repair shop said that the reason I had so much trouble getting the starter out is the starter spun the bendix against the flywheel but since it couldn't start the car it stuck there and I was having to make a big angle to get the gear out from behind the flywheel. for what its worth =]
 
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