NEED A NEW FLYWHEEL, AND STARTER

I tried to start my 545 this morning, and it just made those awful grinding noises! Upon dropping the starter out (Tilton Super Starter), I noticed the bendix gear is chewed up! Then I looked at the ring gear, and it's all chewed up as well! The flywheel is a McLeod 30 pound with 176 teeth, and it's been in the car a little over a year, and worked fine up til now. My first question is, can the ring gear be replaced, or am I in the market for a new flywheel? Second question is what is the correct part number for the Ford motorcraft high torque starter for a 429/460 standard shift application? And here I thought I was done pouring money into this car for a while - what the hell was I thinking??

Wayne (SAWDOFF) pearce

You can replace the starte gear on most flywheels and the starter should be able to be repaired too, any starter rebuild shops in your area?

Hey, Dave: Thanks for the quick response! When I worked for Ford back in the sixties, I replace plenty of ring gears on flywheels, but I don't know if it's possible on an aftermarket flywheel such as a McLeod, I need to find out if the ring gear is even available from them. As far as the starter is concerned, it might be the same issue, Do I need to get it exclusively from Tilton, or is it a "plain vanilla" bendix used in several different brand starters? I've heard so many good comments about the Ford Motorcraft high torque starters (and they don't cost a fortune), that I thought I would give it a try, but I need to know the correct part number for the 429/460 standard shift application. How's the world up there in Canuckistan treating you?

Wayne (SAWDOFF) Pearce

most use a oem ring gear . take it of and go to NAPA , give them a year and model of a car/truck that has that dia./tooth count . 429SCJ be a good start

Hey, Dan: It's good to hear from you, how are you doing? I just got off the phone with McLeod, and they have the ring gear in stock, price wasn't bad either. I didn't think of the possibility that they probably use standard OEM stuff. Right now, I'm looking for the part number for the Motorcraft high torque starter for the 429/460 standard shif application. Have you still got that Eliminator block? (hint, hint, still want to build a blower motor)

Wayne (SAWDOFF) Pearce

Wayne I don't know what parts tilton use, but I'd be willing to bet the parts are avaliable at a good starter shop. and one of those guys will know what they are looking at if they are any good.

Dave: I will give that a try, and I will let you know how I make out.

Wayne (SAWDOFF) Pearce

i'd think the parts for the starter could be had from a parts store if you only knew what to ask for.i have a neighbor who rebuilds them,and most anything else electrical,and when he saw my new jegs starter he said he coulda put the same thing together for a lot less money.