Hi all,
I have a 1950 Chevy 3100, with a 1960 261cu-in engine, the starter and flywheel though are a bit of a mystery.
bought the truck after the engine conversion and I have no details other than what I've been able to determine by looking at engine codes, etc.. Right now I have not yet counted the number of teeth on the flywheel (will do that later today), but the starter engage gear has 9 teeth. My starter has gone out (stud is worn, button copper is worn, 1/2 of the brushes are worn). Looking to rebuild, but have also bought a NAPA 6v starter (Part #: RAY 2449651) and am trying to determine if it’s a correct match, it also has 9 teeth. A couple of questions then.
1) 1950 216 & 235 engines, and specifically 6v systems seem to have used 139 tooth flywheels (or is it that ALL 6v used 139 ?). By 1960 and the 261 all were using 12v and had 168 tooth flywheels... or so I've read. As the starters, for both seemingly have 9 teeth each... so how does one determine if the starter they have is for the right engine/flywheel ?
2) This is a particular issue with the NAPA remanufactured unit, since it is matched by year and not engine/flywheel. Both the existing and NAPA starters are essentially the same with mechanical type starter buttons (mechanically). Both the existing and NAPA starters measure 14mm, so I am assuming I should have a correct match ?
3) If then I assume I have a 139 tooth flywheel, that would mean the 1960 261 engine had its flywheel replaced with the older 1950 engine’s flywheel… correct ? In other words all 261 engines, especially in 1960 era were 12v based…. and so from the thread here means it should be 168 tooth version ?? And it that even possible to perform such a switch ?
4) I am also having trouble finding a correctly listed mechanical "solenoid" (as most are calling it). For the older 1950 era starters, they are all push-button mechanical and look like what I have. However for the 1960 era starters all seem to in fact be electrical solenoid type units and not a match for what I have. Are perhaps all these push-button type “solenoids” the same ?
I really love this forum for all the great help and knowledge/experience.... you folks are greatly appreciated.
Joe
Last edited by Phak1; 12/20/2022 12:49 AM.
