I am trying to get my starter to fit. I have ground quite a bit off my engine trying to get it to fit (the ally sump). I have the 1.8 cvh Sierra starter with 80mm diameter body. I am encroaching into my sump flange and I am getting a bit uncomfortable!
Question: has anyone ground material off the starter itself to get it to fit, or just kept grinding the engine?
Has anyone got that diameter body starter to fit the Phase 3 zetec with type 9?
I know there are smaller bodied starters out there but didnt want to go to the expense/hassle of sourcing one.

Thanks Chris

valeo do a very slim starter...

http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/upload/DSC00248.JPG

VS2666 - it might help your situdation.

with this starter, i did no grinding to the sump.

Take a look in my archive, theres a few pics of a Ph3 sump ground to take the QX1220 starter motor. I had to take a bit of the metal sump lip, and ended up with about 1mm clearence.

Pete.

I have a CVH starter on my blacktop. I ground enough off to make it fit comfortably.

I took the sump off and shortened it and it has gone back on fine with no leaks.

Stu