bstark Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 Hi all,I'm thinking about replacing the starter on my 1700 4 speed xflow with a modern high torque unit. Looking at sites like Powerlite they warn that a lightened flywheel means the standard Ford unit may not fit (presumably different ring gear?).Were Caterham consistent in their flywheel spec? And what's the correct starter to go for?The engine was upgraded to a Steve Parker Racing unit before I bought it (was originally a 1600 Sprint) but they clearly kept the original 4 speed Escort Sport box so assume kept the Sprint flywheel. Thanks, Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john g Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 There were a few posts on this subject a couple of weeks ago. No doubt the posters will point you in the right direction or try a search yourself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldAndrewE Posted January 27, 2021 Share Posted January 27, 2021 I guess you need to know how many teeth your ring gear has. A bit tedious but can be done through the starter hole carefully marking up as you go Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bstark Posted January 28, 2021 Author Share Posted January 28, 2021 I was hoping to avoid having to do exactly this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldAndrewE Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 https://www.lotus7.club/forum/techtalk/xflow-starter-motor-0Just found this thread - may not help though, you still need to be sure which gear you haveMine is 110 teeth but it is not a Caterham supplied engine/box (box is 2000E) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sooty Posted January 28, 2021 Share Posted January 28, 2021 Standard flywheel with the 4 speed type 2 gearbox is 135 teeth and the pinto fitting is the correct starter for that arrangement. I swapped mine over to a wosp unit last year and the difference in turnover speed is very noticeable making starting that much easier and with less battery drain.The guts of the starter can vary but the hitachi model is much lighter and the solenoid can be moved lower away from the heat of the exhaust. Not cheap but a good upgrade Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bstark Posted January 28, 2021 Author Share Posted January 28, 2021 Thanks both Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bstark Posted February 20, 2021 Author Share Posted February 20, 2021 Just adding this in case it helps someone in the future.You can tell whether you have a 110 tooth or 135 tooth flywheel on your xflow by measuring the diameter of the starter pinion.135t flywheel = 26.5mm diameter pinion110t flywheel = 29mm diameter pinionQuicker than counting teeth! Just to add an element of confusion, the Hitachi WOSP starter has a 27.4mm pinion offset to suit. That threw me initially but is asterisked in the website to explain.Anyway, works a treat and spins a lot faster than the original Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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