8N Starter Re-install

[C.I.]

In the process of putting this project back together and having a difficult time re-installing the starter. I had a grounding issue after painting and wanted to take a look at the brushes. Did major sanding to get a good ground but can't find the angle to re-install. Looks like might need to remove (or unbolt) the oil filter canister to get the right angle. I see the hole in the block is a bit oval and need to have the front of the starter right up against the block and higher (but the canister may be in the way).

Just looking for the "insider" trick to get it in. By the way, grounding was also an issue regarding new lights. I spend hours thinking my new wiring or switch was bad. Ran a ground wire to them and they worked fine. I just need to take them off and sand the new painted metal on the sides to get a better ground. I learned alot in one day regarding electrical and grounding!!!

Thanx
Chet

 

[HCooke]

There is just barely enough room to get the drive over and past the flywheel. If you got it out, it will go back in. It will help if you take a flash light and look at it to visualize the problem. The end of the starter in your left hand needs to be tilted down and toward the block and the starter drive needs to be tilted towards 2 o'clock as you you look at the hole in the bell housing.

 

[Jim in Western MI]

Putting the starter in my 8N is a frustrating experience. I've never removed the canister, but just fiddle with it for a time and it finally will slip in. I've found if I get too frustrated, just stop for a few minutes and try something else; then when I go back it seems to go right in. I spect HFord never put one in or he would have given us another inch or two. I've always wondered if he was giving us some metaphors for old men when he designed that set up.

 

[Ed S.]

Think of this as a rite of passage... It's really just a matter of holding your tongue right, and trying numerous times. When you're completely frustrated and ready to give up, try one more time and it will go in.

While I never had to remove the oil cannister to get mine in, I did end up replacing the block coolant drain with a smaller one, as it allowed me to angle the starter in better.

HTH,

es

 

[R Geiger]

(quoted from post at 00:34:06 01/08/12) In the process of putting this project back together and having a difficult time re-installing the starter. I had a grounding issue after painting and wanted to take a look at the brushes. Did major sanding to get a good ground but can't find the angle to re-install. Looks like might need to remove (or unbolt) the oil filter canister to get the right angle. I see the hole in the block is a bit oval and need to have the front of the starter right up against the block and higher (but the canister may be in the way).

Just looking for the "insider" trick to get it in. By the way, grounding was also an issue regarding new lights. I spend hours thinking my new wiring or switch was bad. Ran a ground wire to them and they worked fine. I just need to take them off and sand the new painted metal on the sides to get a better ground. I learned a lot in one day regarding electrical and grounding!!!

Thanx
Chet

I would venture to say that a lot of electrical problems are bad grounds. With your lights, I would run the ground wire and not relay on the frame for ground.

With the starter I unbolted the oil filter housing and removed the drain petcock. Then with your tongue sticking out at just the right angle It might go in. Walk away for 10 minutes and come back and it will fall right it. The oval hole was probably made by someone having problems installing the starter. Mine are both ground out. It helps a lot.

 

[C.I.]

Well it took 3 step backs and a few choice words (directed at Henry Ford). I did unbolt the oil canister and removed the petcock bolt (had not filled the radiator yet).

I found on your first try, you are real gentle not wanting to force anything and not wanting to ding the paint you applied with such care. By the third time, you could care less about the paint and you just go for it. My tip for others having this problem, just go for it right from the start. Then when calm, cool and collected, do your touch up painting.

Thanks for your words of wisdom.

Chet

 

[flembo]

I had the same problem getting the starter in a 52 8n I once had, tried and tried and was just about to pull the petcock when I tried one more time and in it went. I just changed changed the starter on the 2n with no problem at all apparently more clearance on the 2n must be inside cause I see no difference on the outside between an 8n and the 2n.

 

[souNdguy]

I always give in and removed the ptcock first.. always seemed to get int he way..