I've got a 1971 Ranchero. It's got a 351 Cleveland and I am having some starter issues. The starter on the car will not go in straight, it has to go in at an angle. The oil pan is in the way.... I know the oil pan has to be a certain size but I was thinking maybe one for that perticular starter might have an inditation on the oil pan so the starter can go in straight.. Any comments are needed and a possible fix is also appreciated!
Thanks,
Jimmy

 

Are you sure you have the right starter?

Use a big hammer and clearance the pan?

 

Its the right starter, for that year.

 

I'm gonna get a shim kit for my starter. Hopefully that will be the solution!

 

Does the starter you took off look anything like the starter you're putting in?

Does anyone make a small profile starter for it?

 

It looks the same as the one that was in the car. About a small profile starter, I'm not sure, I was thinking of trying to get a smaller starter but I don't think that would be to wise.

 

Did the one in the car have an interference problem with the oil pan?


I know Ford makes a hi torque 'mini' starter for the 302 that's as good as if not better than the standard sized starter. I don't see why something similar shouldn't exist for your cleveland.

 

Yes the old starter had the same problem. But I was thinking of other possible solutions and I think I have found one: I think some of the alignment dowels for the tranny bell housing might be missing so when the engine torques one way the bell housing on the tranny goes the other way and pushes the starter at an angle, pushing it into the the fly wheel. I'm gonna try that out and I'll be sure and post a solution when I find one. By the way thanks you guys for all your assitance!!

 

Its Fixed, I just put shims on the starter and its perfect!