Big Pink,
This is an odd statement:
"Does anyone know of a source for a 12 volt starter for a 216 or 261 engine? I'm trying to figure out which it is, pretty sure it is not the 235. The starter bolts through the top and bottom of the engine."There were no original 12v starters for a 216.
All 216s are easily distinguished from all 261s.
As Bill posted, you should determine what engine you have. Post the codes on your engine and people will help you figure out what you have.
216s and early 235s are very similar in appearance. Later 235s and 261s are similar in appearance. Codes are needed to determine what head and what block you have.
low-pressure 216/235 engine codes locations high pressure 235/261 engine codes locations 
