Hello,
I am installing a new Weber flywheel 460320 (a 153 tooth) and the starter ring gear is .150 in futher out than the starter ring gear on my old TH-350 flex plate. The starter teeth will barely engage. I luckily found this when trying to set the starter flywheel back lash rather than after the install was complete. Is the starter different for a manual flywheel, or did Weber make a mistake on the flywheel?

Regards

-CurtiSS 69

The starter isn't different. I'd suggest calling them but the flywheel specs should be the same. You're certain the flywheel is on completely? I don't have experience with them but my Centerforce one was the same distance.

You could try shimming the outboard mounting bolt only to bring the starter gear closer to the flywheel.

nevermind

Curtis,
Are you saying that the new flywheel is .150" larger diameter, or is the flywheel further towards the back of the car ? If it is larger diameter, something is definitely wrong. Its hard not to get a stick flywheel not on all the way so if the flywheel is too far back, I would call Weber and see what they say.

Hello,
The starter ring gear is 0.150" further away from the back of the block (the starter ring gear is the same diameter). I did some research and the powerglide and manual transmission cars do have a different starter according to the parts catalogues of PartsAmerica and Rock Auto. If the difference is the throw of the starter drive being .150" longer then the problem is solved. I will call McLeod about the flywheel as a sanity check.

Thanks

-CurtiSS 69

FYI,
I called McLeod today and Red said that the starter gear should engage 2/3 to 3/4 of the depth of the starter ring gear, so my old flexplate is the incorrect item. He said if it engages more the starter will drag when the engine starts. As I remember the former owner said there was a starter problem, although I never experienced it.

Regards

-CurtiSS