A friend of mine asked if a 53, 55 or early 56 starter motor could be used (during the restoration, taking many years, the starter motor was lost) on a 1954 engine. The master parts list is giving a specific part number for the starter motors and the interchange manual I have does not say that the starter motor for 1954 is interchangeable with another year. What is different, especially between 1954 and 1955?
Hello Roger,
You're right, the parts manual and the 46/56 interchange manual doesn't give you a clue what the difference is on these starters. Both manuals state that they as a complete unit are suitible for the given year only. Armature's are the same for 50/53, and do have a straight cut spline for the bendix.
Then 54 up to 56 with engine # 037579 the are armature's are interchangeble. The other thing is that the housing with bushing ( mounting flange ) is the same for 50/53 , 54 & 55 are for the given year only. I think it has to do with the offset of the mounting holes in the flange and then the possition ( angle ) of the relais on top of the main starter body to the side of the engine. For these i will shoot some pictures of the various starter parts i do have. Luckily i just reorganised my parts warehouse and shelving last week and did't complete the starter section yet . ;D
Hope this helps so far.
Matern Harmsel
Thanks Matern for your comments! I think too that the mounting flange is the reason for the lack of interchangeability. If you may have a '54 starter motor, the shipping to France (the owner is living there) will be less expensive than from the US and without taxes.