Evening all,

I have a Zetec 2L Blacktop mounted to a Type 9 box with standard bellhousing and am using the LRS707 starter motor with the solenoid mounted on the side. I am also using an ST170 exhaust manifold, modified (ie. cut off) at the bottom, to exit through the side panel.

The problem is that the bottom of the manifold is only millimetres from the main terminal on the starter solenoid, which is way too close. It wouldn't need much movement in either the starter or the manifold - for whatever reason - to cause a direct short. The easiest way around it is going to be to use a starter motor with the solenoid mounted on the underside. I ordered one of these - a Bosch one - but the body of the starter is about 3cm longer than the LRS707, and getting it to fit would involve grinding away too much of the flange where the sump seats against the block, including grinding away part of the flange that holds one of the sump mounting bolts.

In light of all this I've been looking for another alternative, which I think I may have found, here:-

[img]
Sierra Sapphire Starter [/img]

It’s for a Ford Sierra/Sapphire 1.6 1982-85

So my question is, assuming that the starter fits physically, would the starter in the link be okay for a 2.0L Blacktop? I don't mean the physical size so much as would the starter fit and work mechanically speaking?

TIA,

Mart.

That looks like a pinto starter ?

I used the one from a Granada when I had the same problem.

Hi Wasa,

After a bit more checking it appears it also fits Mk1 Escorts, Mk1, 2 and 3 Capri's and Mk4 & 5 Cortina's.

Mart.

I cant find any photo's but the longer thinner starter needs loads of material taking of the sump. But it does solve the solenoid touching the exhaust mani' problem.

Thanks Wasa. I'll investigate further. Maybe if I get the engine out and look more closely I can get the longer thinner (Bosch) starter to fit without compromising the sealing of the sump to the bottom of the block.

I may order the starter I mentioned above in the meantime - if it works then great, it will save a lot of hassle, if not it can go back on eBay.

Thanks again for the input,

Mart.

You will need a spacer to fit a pinto starter. It sticks to far into the bell housing.

acording to my book of words,1.6 and 2.0 starters are the same (1.4 kw),i think i used a 1.6 seirra cvh starter,have you looked at diesel starters ?the body is a lot thinner on them.

Cheers Wasa, I'll check measurements if I end up ordering that starter.

Thanks Conrod - I'll look into those.

Mart.