crossflow starter

[Westfield]

I have just managed to find a good specification Crossflow (thanks Richard!) for my Westfield. The new engine has a pre-engaged type of ring gear so I would like to use a pre-engaged starter. The problem is that the pre engaged starter that came with the engine wont fit as the solenoid fouls the exhaust manifold. I have been to the motor factors to see if they do a starter with the solenoid in a different position only to find that the only other alternative is to have the solenoid hanging down below the line of the sump! Not a good idea..

 

Before I change the ring gear to an inertia type, does anyone know of a starter that would fit?

 

Thanks

 

Tony

 

[Allan Haighton]

Dont know about the exhaust layout on a Westie, but in my experience pre-engaged starters from early Ford Sierras fit on a Caterham. There are 2 types - one has a longer body than the other, but both work OK. It might be worth a trip to your local scrappers as a starting point.

[Westfield]

Thanks Alan. I already have a Caterham starter which I think is the Sierra type. Due to the design of the Westy manifold it wont fit, the solenoid fouls the down pipes. I have almost resigned myself to the fact that I will be going back to the inertia type unless someone has any other ideas…

 

Tony

 

[allen]

Tony, there were two types of pre-engaged starters, a normal and a small diameter type, don't have dimensions, but is it just a case of needing a bit more clearance?

 

Unless the manifold is a very old design I am surprised that it has this limitation, you could try a post in 'that other place', after all, in this area they are the experts!

[Casbar]

I fitted a new starter a couple of weeks ago. The one I fitted which was from a local motor factors, was off an early Ford Transit. But to be fair, it was the same shape and size as the Lucas one it replaced

[Midnight]

I believe either Demon Tweeks or Burtons do a new type of "geared" starter motor to fit the crossflow which is tiny, ie less than a third the size, when compared to the standard item. also has the advantage of being lighter and requiring less current to operate. Not sure of the costs though

[Midnight]

I believe either Demon Tweeks or Burtons do a new type of "geared" starter motor to fit the crossflow which is tiny, ie less than a third the size, when compared to the standard item. also has the advantage of being lighter and requiring less current to operate. Not sure of the costs though

[Midnight]

I believe either Demon Tweeks or Burtons do a new type of "geared" starter motor to fit the crossflow which is tiny, ie less than a third the size, when compared to the standard item. also has the advantage of being lighter and requiring less current to operate. Not sure of the costs though

[greg]

Midnight,

 

It is very, very expensive compared to a bogo starter...

 

Greg, Q 86 NTM (Green 185BHP XF)

[Westfield]

Thank you all for the replies. I have decided to go back to the inertia type starter so I have changed the starter ring gear today. By a stroke of luck the local engine reconditioner had a ring gear, old stock. He supplied and fitted for £20!

 

Just putting the engine in today, cant wait to give it a try!!

 

Thanks

 

Tony