T214SR Engine - Starter Problem

[p4mb43]

I have a NOS T214SR engine that I put into my 1942 3/4 ton WC54 ambulance. The starter is correct for the WW2 3/4 ton (MAW 4029) as is the flywheel (nos). However the bellhousing is part # 921198 and the correct part # should be 921197. Problem: the starter doesn't mesh with the flywheel, it just grinds. Question 1: Does anyone have info on the T214SR engine (any difference from the T214). Question 2: Does anyone have info on 921198 (-1 or-2) bellhousing and question #3: Should I get/install the correct bellhousing (#921197) and hopefully get the starter to mesh with the flywheel ring gear? Thank for anyone's help....

[johnseidts]

Before you go through all that, look at the switch on top of the starter. The push-button which connects the leads on the starter is threaded, and can be adjusted up and down. You probably need to thread it towards the starter (screw it down). Try this , then see if it engages. This action is listed in the TM 10-1531 under one of the sections. This caused my friend and I 3x starter overhauls, a replaced ring gear, and some screaming and hair pulling. All that was caused by the switch not being adjusted into proper position.

[p4mb43]

Thanks.. I'll give it a try... However, with the starter out of the bellhousing, and pushing the starter arm all the way down, the starter pinion does travel to the end of the starter snout. When in the bellhousing (I'm getting to be a pro at the starter removal), the pinion just doesn't seem to mesh with the ring gear.. I will let you know.. Thanks....

[Joe Gopan]

These 1968 era T-214 came with a later starter than the original WC T-214 used. The Ring gear on the later starters had a different tooth count. Get yourself a WC thru M-37 Ring Gear and original Starter for the application plus the WWII Bellhousing and enjoy your engine.(Make sure the Bell housing you install is offset for the WWII)
I have had about 50 of the NOS 68 era engines made for European Army customers The Army sols hundreds of the NOS back in the 70's-early 80's out of DRMO Columbus OH.

[p4mb43]

Thanks Joe... I think that the correct bellhousing is where i'm heading. The starter and flywheel (146 teeth on the ring gear) that I have are correct for the WW2 3/4 ton WC so the only wild card is the bellhousing. Thanks for the info on the T-214SR engine. Always a learning process....

[ng19delta]

Check the bendix drive: There are a couple different lengths, all which fit the same armature shaft. If you have one form an M-37 on a WC starter, it is too short.

[p4mb43]

All's well that ends well.. The correct bellhousing for the WC 3/4 ton (as per the parts TM) is a casting #921197. In my collection of bell housings, I have two 921198s and one 921198-2. The 921198-2 bellhousing worked with a correct 3/4 ton starter (MAW4029) and flywheel (146 tooth ring gear) and the 921198 did not. With the 921198, the starter pinion just hit the flywheel but didn't mesh with the ring gear. So, now I can get the T214SR engine back in the truck (WC54) and continue with the restoration.... Thanks all for the comments....