Starter switch gasket

Dean Lemoine

Senior Member
Does the gasket under the starter switch serve a real purpose? I’m installing a new switch, new gasket and new safety fuse. The fuse came with longer screws, but still seem too short. I can put the gasket or lock washers, but not both.
 
The gasket was only used on the 28 starters but many use it on the regular ones. Don't think it serves any real purpose.
 
The vendor catalogs list them for 28-31, but the package said 28 only. Anyway, it’s on there now. Thanks for your response.
 
I have had to fit a gasket because even if I brushed past the starter button lightly the starter would activate . The gasket gave more clearance and so cured the problem .

John in Suffolk County England .
 
It doesn't insulate the starter switch housing since it screws into the starter so I think the purpose could be in case something went wrong with the internal moving part, in case it broke, it would not throw the full power of the battery on to the starter case. I made a new one when I rebuilt my switch.
 
I just went through all my 1930 Coupe wiring and the starter switch housing did not have a gasket on it.



On another note: The safety fuse on my car had the "mounting plate" positioned "under" the starter switch housing and while it did not look out of place in that position, inside the switch housing the switch contact face was off angle because of the shimming effect the fuse block mounting plate had. One side of the starter switch was doing all the work (electricity transfer) when the starter was engaged. I moved the fuse block to the outside or "on top" of the starter switch housing to correct the off angle contact patch.
 
The black insualtor under the starter switch was discontinued by Ford in 1930, but I cannot find a service bulletin to this effect.
 
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