Inline 6 started problems please help

[CheyenneSuper72]

I converted my 3 speed to a turbo 350 with a 250 inline 6...i need to know which starter to use...it has the straight up bolt pattern and the ones the parts store sells will not fit because the snout on the front of the starter hits the transmission case. any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!

[2bits]

I feel your pain buddy... If your block is not drilled for the offset bolt holes you might be like me right now. That is my situation also.

A starter for a 350 (engine) with the offset holes works fine, BUT you have to have the 3rd offset hole drilled in the block. If the bolt holes are inline, I don't think there is an OEM starter that exists for this configuration. I spent an hour at Oreilly's going through EVERY starter they had. Right now, I have my old 350 starter that was on my last 250 inline 6 (with offest holes) bolted in by just one bolt, and I tighten it up every couple of starts. Desparate for a solution too because the truck should be running by tomorrow.

I am guessing that early model blocks were only drilled for the starters used at the time which had the straight inline bolt holes. Unfortunately these starters were only for manual and Powerglide trannys. When the TH350 tranny came out, they started drilling the 3rd hole in the block.

The PG starter is actually hitting the flywheel on mine which is bigger than the Powerglide flywheel it was designed for. I know what you're thinking... You could pull the tranny and install a power glide flywheel (flexplate) but then the torque converter holes won't line up.

Solutions?
1): Drill a 3rd hole in the block.

2): A $200 hi-torque starter
http://store.summitracing.com/egnsea...115+4294908399

[2bits]

Just noticed you are in TX.. me too what are you located?

[CheyenneSuper72]

Close to Amarillo, Tx

[2bits]

Well good luck, lemme know if you find a better workaround and I will as well...

[BCOWANWHEELS]

cant you swap noses on the starter ?
bob

[passthebuck]

Summit sells dual pattern flexplates....

[CheyenneSuper72]

Swapping noses would work but i am not sure which starters to combine...maybe 250 and 350?

[caminokid]

Originally Posted by CheyenneSuper72

Swapping noses would work but i am not sure which starters to combine...maybe 250 and 350?

Swap the nose of the 250 to the 350 and you are good to go.

[69_hafton]

Santucci's book in Chapter 4 mentions the starter issue and has a template for drilling out the block. Easier to do during a rebuild, though.

According the book '73 and later blocks are already drilled for the larger flywheel and offset mount starter. Mentions using a reduction gear starter so drilling the block is not needed.

[N2GMTrux]

Originally Posted by 69_hafton

Santucci's book in Chapter 4 mentions the starter issue and has a template for drilling out the block. Easier to do during a rebuild, though.

According the book '73 and later blocks are already drilled for the larger flywheel and offset mount starter. Mentions using a reduction gear starter so drilling the block is not needed.

I had the machine shop drill out the hole like shown in Santucci's book on my 250 and they drilled the crank to accept a harmonic balance bolt. But since you are not have the block rebuilt I would use the high torque starter even though It's expensive, but well worth it!!!

[RANDY COX]

Same problem on mine 250 got a new starter and it wouldn't bolt up.It had the straight up pattern and I need the front side pattern,so I took the old starter apart and put the nose piece on the new starter and wa-la,Problem solved.

[2bits]

Originally Posted by RANDY COX

Same problem on mine 250 got a new starter and it wouldn't bolt up.It had the straight up pattern and I need the front side pattern,so I took the old starter apart and put the nose piece on the new starter and wa-la,Problem solved.

Thank you! At least there is a nuts and bolts solution! I was about to drill my block and not thread it, just use a long bolt and nut on top! I had never taken apart a starter before.

[2bits]

Originally Posted by 69_hafton

Santucci's book in Chapter 4 mentions the starter issue and has a template for drilling out the block. Easier to do during a rebuild, though.

According the book '73 and later blocks are already drilled for the larger flywheel and offset mount starter. Mentions using a reduction gear starter so drilling the block is not needed.

I think that is great that Santucci's book has that, and a template too? I need to go ahead and get this book. I thought it was all about specs.

[BCOWANWHEELS]

yea this old dude knows sum stuff... also you can take a big block starter and install a small block nose on it and have a hi-torque s.b. starter. just old tricks from the old days.
bob