Starter Issue?
Pro
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 516
Likes: 72
From: Modesto California
I was under the impression the starters that have the "offset" bolt patterns were for the 168 tooth flywheels and those with the "inline" bolt patterns were for the smaller 153 tooth flywheels.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 131
Likes: 3
From: Beaverton OR
That is correct. I just stumbled on the same info. Mine is offset, thus a 168-tooth flywheel. I also just inspected my 454 harmonic balancer, and sure enough, it's counterweight. Again, phew!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 131
Likes: 3
From: Beaverton OR
I finally got around to buying and installing a proper 427 flywheel. The Bendix now engages properly and all is well. The 454 flywheel ring gear was (thankfully!) shifted nearly 1/4" in the rearward direction when mounted on the 427 and the Bendix couldn't quite reach it, so the starter motor just spun with no engagement. This is a bit puzzling to me, and suggests the 427 crank is somehow different on the flywheel-mounting end. Whatever, all is good now! Now here's what's really puzzling. Here's a photo of the 454 flywheel. No counterweight! The casting number is 3973456N, and research generally indicates that it's a 70's 454 flywheel, but I did find in a forum where folks said this was the incorrect flywheel for a 454. The block casting number is 3999289, so it's definitely a 454 block. Maybe someone swapped in a 427 crank, making the flywheel correct for it. Who knows?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,398
From: SW Florida.
I put a 400 small block in a boat. Went to core guy to get 400 flywheel. He sold me a 454 flywheel. Bow rails on that boat shook like the front end of a Triumph motorcycle. Whole boat vibrated unbelievably.
