Long story short. 1964.5 Mustang. 260 V8. Had the engine rebuilt about 1,000 miles ago. Had the transmission rebuilt about 500 miles ago. Battery is new.

Went for a drive the other night and stopped and started a few times. Last time I cranked it I got a high-pitched whirring sound but no engine crank. Jumped the battery but no luck. Towed home.

Today, I pulled the starter (not easy with headers). The Bendix gear is completely worn down about 1/8 front the top (engaging) area of the gear.

i know I need a new bendix gear, but is there a way to adjust the length of the throw so a larger part of that gear engages?

is there a mini starter for the 260 V8 anyone likes or have had luck with? Thanks



Worn bendix gear.

Flywheel looking ok.

Flywheel looking ok.

 

You may have the wrong starter, bendix drive gear too big to engage ring gear.

 

Maybe the starter needs to be shimmed. That gear is shot.

 

Shims would probably make it shorter and provide even less engagement. I also suggest checking for correct starter. I know with the 302 this can occur with at least some after market mini starters but in my case it was so far off the teeth didnt even touch.

 

That’s throwing in superfar it’s worn on the face past the teeth even.

 

Also when I put a starter on my 65 fastback I actually had to get a starter for a 64 falcon because the 65 starters didn’t fit properly