No, bartamos. I'm not trying to screw with you or anyone. This mystery is as baffling to me as to you.
I didn't think that info you reiterated was important at the beginning of the thread because I thought there was a logical simple fix to my issue -- and I just hadn't thought of it.
But after our conversation I began to ask most of the same questions as you about my truck's history.
Much of it has been lost in the back of my mind, as I do not think about this vehicle on a very constant basis. Except for the odd starting issue, the truck has most always just worked for me.
Anyway, I'm beginning to think that the 1957 engine is playing a greater part in this saga than I thought it would.
It does stand to reason that the engine may have been an off the shelf rebuilt 235, rather than the original engine being rebuilt.
The story is that this truck was wrecked in a fire in New Mexico and was subsequently resurrected and sold to a few owners behind me.
It eventually made its way to Canada where the young new owner rehabbed it. Including body work and drive train and engine.
I took it from there and improved on some things including a 'new' Blazer rear end (1997).
So I doubt any of the numbers match. And I didn't care as it was purchased only as a daily driver. I grew up with these vehicles around me, so...
Yes, after driving it for many years my wife and I got fed up with it not starting at the most inopportune times. And was determined to put an end to that by converting the electrics to 12 volts.
I didn't touch the starter per se (just new brushes) as I knew that it would run ok on 12 volts. Which it did for these last 6 or so years.
Now it will spin but won't engage the flywheel and I'm determined to find out why!
I still use this truck for our yard work, etc. and will need it shortly with Fall debris hauling.
Now, the measurements I gave to you are correct. And the starter core that I put this latest armature into I think is 6 volts (by my Delco Remy research on the core) (see above).
And this latest armature does fit the core well -- all of the parts now match any illustrations and videos I've seen.
The only chore I haven't done is head on down to the local autoelectric repairer and get their take on it.
If the flywheel proves to be a 168 (12 volt) then my new assumptions will be that the previous owner tried to adapt this 6 volt starter by changing out the armature with a 9 tooth clutch drive pinion that is compatible to 168 flywheel.
Even though that (previous) armature and clutch drive were shorter (and thus it had ridiculous longitudinal movement), it was still a risky fit into the flywheel, as it did not engage 100%.
Perhaps when I cleaned it up and rebushed it, that was the straw that broke its back. So it failed to engage anymore at that higher speed.
But I donno that for sure yet.
Please stay with me
