1965 Ranchero 200 six cyl. with 3 speed manual trans. Does anyone know for sure if it uses the thin metal spacer between engine and trans. bell housing? I have several people telling me both ways!
I'm not doubting you, but what function does the separator plate play? Couldn't you ditch the plate, and use 1/16" spacers when mounting the starter? Obviously, it does something, or Ford would have ditched it ... but what? Inquiring minds want to know ... Joseph
It's the cover to the bellhousing, simple as that. Keeps dirt, rocks, etc., out of there. Automatic or manual.
not to contradict Andy but These plates have been referred to as block plates, starter index plates, block savers, locator plates and “that sheet metal thing between the engine and transmission”. Regardless of its name, the plate has a vital purpose, accurately locating the starter pinion in relation to the flexplate or flywheel ring gear teeth. In some instances, the plate is not installed when using an aftermarket bellhousing or adapter. At that point, the only thing locating the starter is the attaching bolts. The bolts are designed to hold the starter to the bellhousing, not locate the starter. That is the function of the starter locator plate, having an accurate register hole to prevent the starter from being shoved outboard during cranking or when the engine “kicks back”.
Well, OK, that too. Why the nose housing fits snugly, but when it covers the entire bellhousing, it has more than one intended use. I stand corrected.