Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Technical / Authenticity => Topic started by: dbzsjones on June 15, 2024, 05:44:45 PM

Title: 1961 Starter
Post by: dbzsjones on June 15, 2024, 05:44:45 PM
I'm looking at a rebuilt 1962 starter from another board member to use on my 1962 series 62.  This starter has a backplate that doesn't look like what I'm used to.  Does anyone know if I should be concerned about compatibility?
Title: Re: 1961 Starter
Post by: 35-709 on June 15, 2024, 08:09:37 PM
It may be a GM starter and will fit, but it is not a Cadillac starter.  Note the length of the starter on the right, the longer housing allows for a longer armature and field coils to give the added torque your engine needs.
Title: Re: 1961 Starter
Post by: dbzsjones on June 15, 2024, 08:39:10 PM
Thank you, the car is never going to Pebble Beach, so as long as it works I'm happy.
Title: Re: 1961 Starter
Post by: Big Fins on June 16, 2024, 04:28:59 AM
If you have the original starter from your car, take it to a quality shop in your area and have it rebuilt. That way you know what you have and that it's the proper one for your car. Don't waste money on guessing games and maybe's.
Title: Re: 1961 Starter
Post by: dbzsjones on June 16, 2024, 11:05:20 AM
Quote from: Big Fins on June 16, 2024, 04:28:59 AMIf you have the original starter from your car, take it to a quality shop in your area and have it rebuilt. That way you know what you have and that it's the proper one for your car. Don't waste money on guessing games and maybe's.
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Quote from: Big Fins on June 16, 2024, 04:28:59 AMIf you have the original starter from your car, take it to a quality shop in your area and have it rebuilt. That way you know what you have and that it's the proper one for your car. Don't waste money on guessing games and maybe's.

Unfortunately my original is missing and this one was unbolted from a 62, so I think it's low risk decision, but this form is such a great source of knowledge I wanted to use it to double check based on the visual differences. I appreciate everyone's feedback.
Title: Re: 1961 Starter
Post by: 35-709 on June 16, 2024, 05:25:04 PM
Do as you will with that starter, just don't expect a long service life --- cracked housings are not unheard of.
Title: Re: 1961 Starter
Post by: dbzsjones on June 17, 2024, 07:25:04 PM
Quote from: 35-709 on June 16, 2024, 05:25:04 PMDo as you will with that starter, just don't expect a long service life --- cracked housings are not unheard of.

Is there a reason that design would be prone to cracking?  It was just rebuilt.