2a starter

Hey everyone. The flathead I just got has the starter with the "push to start" solenoid mounted on it. Is there another starter that I can use that uses a standard solenoid and switch? Or can this one be modified to work like that?
Keith

 

I'm not an expert but I'll venture a reply because I am interested in doing this also. From the research I've done there was apparently a later model starter that can be used but it depends on your flywheel starter ring and possibly your bellhousing. I think I saw some info over at cj-3a.com.

From what I can tell, there isn't a way to modify your existing foot operated mechanical starter to an electrically operated solenoid type. On my M38, one of the PO added a keyswitch and generic "ford" fender mounted starter solenoid in series with the starter. To start it you have to press in the foot switch and turn the key to start. At first I thought this was redundant, but then I realized it would prevent pranksters from accidentally pressing in the starter switch while the M38 is unsupervised and possibly running it into something.

I'm torn between keeping the cool retro-ness of the foot operated starter and the convenience of a key switch operated starter. Hopefully some others can shed more light on this.

David

 

Guess I need to wait for my repair manual to get here from Tuner 4WD. My 2a has a foot starter switch still mounted but no linkage for a manual starter.
Keith

 

i have a dash mounted key switch and button to start and a fender mounted sylenoid the foot switch is not used. Surely its possible you just gotta know how to wire it

 

Jeep2003,

Can you post a photo of your starter? Does your starter look like this?


I had wondered if I could simply move the wire from the left terminal stud to the right, but I was told the starter needed the mechanical action of the foot switch to engage the starter drive to the flywheel.

David

 

That's what my last L head had. This one has a push button on the starter that is suppose to be activated by a mechanical foot pedal, or at least I think it is. I'll try and get some pictures but right now my hotmail isn't working so I can't upload any pictures from my phone cam.

 

Here's a picture. Am I correct?

 

Yes, the lever engages the starter gear on the flywheel and also pushes the button that connects the contacts to spin the starter motor.

Looks like the real deal there.

 

I wouldn't mind it being mechanical but my I don't have any of the linkage. My 2a has a foot switch but it is just a push button.
Keith

 

Think I have found the linkage setup so maybe I'll just keep this starter. I think it might be kind of kool to have the foot starter...
Keith

 

Keith,
Glad you found the other part to make it work. The earlier 2A starter was easily converted to a key start w/seloniod.

 

How to you convert it? Just incase I can't get the foot linkage working, or don't like it?
Keith

 

Just in case any one ever wonders, I actually tested it today by moving the wire from my add-on solenoid to the terminal closer to the block, all the starter does is free spin. This style of starter must have the foot linkage to mechanically engage it to the flywheel.

David

 

That's what the lever is for. It manually engages the flywheel with the starter gear. If you should ever take the starter off check it out. The lever just moves the starter gear back and forth but it also presses the switch to spin the starter.
Is that a M38 motor?
Keith

 

Good point Steve... I have found a company that sell a little key type starter that will bolt right in but they are $170.. And I do kind of like the idea of a foot starter, not everyone has one like that.
Keith

 

I know it takes a little more work but in restoring mine, I switched the flywheel and to a bendix style starter and retain a stock feel by turning on my ignition switch and using the push button to start it. Not near as many issues in my opinion and simple.

Bryan