Starter for 8BA Flathead with Merc-o-matic

Detroit Flathead

Junior Member
I recently learned that a 1951 Mercomatic / Fordomatic starter has different mounting with a tab for a bolt sticking out from main body, a different drive assembly, and different toothcount. I'm mounting this to an 8BA Flathead. I need some help determining if either of the starters pictured below are for an 8BA with a Merc-o-matic. I've been told the one on the left is, with the tabs on it, but it doesn't seem to mount correctly. Can anyone else throw in their two cents? The starter on the left with tabs has 9 teeth. The other starter, with the corkscrew shaft, has 10 teeth. Does anyone have a picture of their Flathead with automatic transmission and starter installed? If these aren't for an automatic, do you have one for sale?

If this looks familiar, it's because I also posted in on Jalopy Journal a week or two back. Perhaps I can get more info here. Thanks.
 

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I think the left one is the one but not sure of the bolt poatten. I have one in my storage barn that came off a flathead with and auto. I'll check it tomorrow. Walt
 
This is what the one looks like for my '51. The two thru bolts fasten to the bell housing along with one bolt and nut in the tab. It has a 9 tooth drive gear. Neither one of the ones you have look correct.
 

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Thanks you for your replies, gentlemen.

51 Merc-CT: That starter looks like it would fit. My Merc-o-matic is from a '51 Merc. Thank you for the picture.

Bruce Compton: I'm interested in yours.
 
Detroit:

I have a 53' Merc and the I too went through the same issue. The difference was one was for the automatic and the other was for the standard trans. The one on the left is for the auto trans.
 

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