When things don’t go to plan

[tim wood]

On one of the hottest days of the year I decided to fit a modern starter. A tricky enough job on a complete car at the best of times
Without explaining how I managed to drop a pair of needle nose pliers which promptly fell through the vacant hole into the bell housing.

Panic ensued with thoughts of engine out.
Pacified by my ever helpful wife she managed to locate them with an endoscope camera attached to the phone. Nestling at the bottom of the flywheel .
Managed to get the cover plate off and wrestle the pliers out.

Time for a cold beer I think.

[mgcjag]

Hi Tim..have you read this..viewtopic.php?f=3&t=20860&p=169249&hili ... er#p169249

[tim wood]

Thanks Steve,
I’ve read the posts on this which don’t seem too conclusive.
I purchased the unit from Rob Beere who said that not to use the plate and that’s how he routinely fits them.
The unit is made by powerlite and the instructions specifically mention to use the plate !
So total confusion.

I spoke again to Rob who is going to check again on Monday and let me know.
I’ll update this post accordingly.

Tim

[mgcjag]

Hi Tim.....do not fit a high torque unless you actually measure yourself and are satisfied do not rely on others telling you they fit......the spigot plate isn't just a spacer it's also a closing plate for the apature in the bellhouseing and it ensures correct alignment of the starter to the flywheel....iv had quite a few different makes/models.on my bench to test...they all went back as unsuitable for a 4.2...I reverted to the original that fits and works correctly...Steve

[chrisfell]

“do not fit a high torque unless you actually measure yourself and are satisfied do not rely on others“



I measured mine and determined the spacer was needed.

As always, YMMV.

[tim wood]

Update,
Rob Beere has responded promptly this morning having done the measurements and is categoric that the spacer needs to be in place.
I’ll measure myself anyway but Mr Beere is a trusted source.
Using the spacer/spigot solves the issue of closing off the aperture and ensuring correct location.


Tim

[mgcjag]

With a Powerlite unit it very much depends what unit you have and where it comes from....I raised this issue with SNGB over their Powerlite units....as far as im aware they returned all their units and had them modified....I have so far not seen any high torque starter that engages anywhere near fully with the flywheel ...Steve