I'm going thru a similar problem right now. I have two project cars: the one i'm working on is a 52 tin woody that has an engine casting number that shows it's a 1959 235 engine. I have another '50 tin woody that has an engine with a casting number that says it's a 1953 235 engine.
They had both been converted to 12 volt. Yet, they both have the 139 tooth flywheel with the starter that has the larger gear pitch to match. The 52 has had issues with the bendix engaging since I got it. 90% of the time, the bendix will not engage; just shoots out and "whines" against the ring gear. If I rock the car to move the flywheel a bit, it may engage. If it engages, it cranks the motor fine. I've turned the ring gear around, no help. I've had the starter rebuilt, no help. I've tried the starter from the '50 and it doesn't work either. 90 % of the time it also does not engage, just "clicks". If I rock the car, it will sometimes engage and crank the motor. According to the parts book, the correct ring gear should be the larger diameter 168 tooth with matching starter. Not sure why this 1959 235 has the old 6 volt style with 139 teeth. Anyone have any ideas on what could be causing this?
By the way, the 139 tooth ring gear is a different diameter than the 168 tooth ring gear; the 168 is larger and will not fit on the old flywheel.
Last edited by tavishdad; 07/01/2013 7:36 AM.
