360 fe starter/flexplate mismatch?

[69_ranger]

I recently bought a 69 ford Ranger with 360(supposedly, at least thats what the VIN code says) and an automatic. it has been in a barn for 16 years and I am going thru it to see what it needs to get going. The starter was making a loud screeching sound like it was binding up so I had it tested and it tested good. Upon further inspection, I found that the flex plate teeth measure 1/4 inch apart and the starter teeth measure 3/8 inch apart. The starter is the correct starter but apparently the flex plate has been changed at some point. Really don't want to pull the engine. would love to just find an fe starter with narrower teeth spacing. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.

[Busboy]

I don't know that that is a problem. The flywheel teeth will be closer just due to the huge difference in diameter between the two.

[69_ranger]

I have been known to have major brain farts before but I don't understand busboy. The flex plate teeth (center to center) are 1/4 inch. The starter gear teeth(center to center) are 3/8 inch. Won't fit regardless of diameter of each component. I think. Starter tested good. But I notice when I tried to crank over engine, the starter would not fully disengage from the flex plate, like it was stuck. Thats what got me to measuring the teeth.

[SoCal250]

The 360/390 flexplate should be 184 tooth hope they just put on the wrong starter how does the teeth look did you pull the starter ? Before I did the rebuild on my 69 390/C6 it wouldn't even start the flexplate and starter were so worn the were binding up it just clicked .

[cep62]

A ring gear will have 4 places with excessive wear where the starter usually engages. (on a 90 degree V8).
If the starter won't engage, put a wrench on the crank bolt ,(7/8 or 15/16 )
and turn the engine a little to give the starter better teeth to grab hold of.
I had a truck that would pick the worst moments to not engage. eventually you'll need a new flexplate.

[cep62]

I have been known to have major brain farts before but I don't understand busboy.

I don't know that that is a problem. The flywheel teeth will be closer just due to the huge difference in diameter between the two.

What he is saying is the teeth are closer on the ring gear but the starter will still engage it.

I never really thought about it but maybe it skips a tooth ? Some day I might look at that .

[colnago]

You can separate the engine from the tranny while keeping both in the truck, wide enough to switch flex plates. I had a cracked flex plate a few years ago. I just took it to a tranny shop and had them replace it, but it was $300 for parts (new flexplate) and labor.

Joseph