Starter Motors and their Seals

[simplyconnected]

This thread really revolves around a few topics because Ford used the same starter motor on many engines and for many years. It is in keeping that the seal surrounding that starter would be also used on the same engines.

Is this the same seal as used on the 272-312 Y-Blocks?

I have also seen many later FE's without the seal but some with - and the same with the Y-Blocks, however the part looks/functions the same. I used it on my 57, but not on the 63 and all is well with both.

Joe, This seal started as B4A 6436 A and was used on all V-8's from 1954 from 1959. It shows up again from 1960 to 1962 for the 352, 390, 406, 427 and 430 but as C2AZ-6436-A. However there is no reference to the earlier number being replaced or superceded by the newer one even though they are both listed for the 352 motor.
Since the listing stops at the 62 390, I suspect that for 63 on, Ford used a spacer plate between the engine and bell housing.
Carl

Flat head, Y-block, MEL, and FE engines shared this same part from 1954 thru 1962 on all Full-size Ford and Thunderbird Cars:

[Joe Johnston]

Thanks for the info. I will have to try and find old ones in my "save-is" box and compare numbers. (I really need to throw a bunch of junk out, but for some reason it never happens!)

[tbird430]

My 1960 Bird with 430cid had the partial remains of that metal ring starter seal on it. I'm the 2nd owner of this car too..

-Jon in TX.