Does anybody have information on this conversion?

I don't have info other than the same picture you have but that appears to be a regular Delco Remy 40MT starter. The key element would be the adapter plate. The conversions all use the same RH helical drive gear.

The part I don't understand is it appears he used the pinion and clutch from the pony??
How would the starter drive connect?

Ya know, I completely missed that........to quick a glance and I'm used to the main flywheel access for conversion:o

In looking closer it appears the starter is on the same axis as the pinion so there wouldn't be any gearing involved for the starter (they crank up to 3-4000 rpm)

It has the direct mount solenoid so I would assume it is engaging something as well as the switching. Would be a good candidate for some type of dog clutch, engages before starter runs then away ya go. Don't know what function the clutch lever would serve as there wouldn't be any need for a clutch:confused:

In looking closer at the starter it appears to be a very old model but not as old as the inertia drive type, not that it matters. Rather clever:)

Just thinking and typing here........and rambling.
Be interested in your interpretation.

I seem to recall (in my clouded memory) that follow up questions to that original post did not bring any response.......or I think I would have saved the info.

Would be kind of a fun project, are you thinking about tackling one?

Just had another flash. Could be the starter is permanently coupled, the solenoid is just used for switching and the original clutch is used to engage the pinion. This has been tried before but the lack of throttling capability is pretty brutal on the clutch and pinion when attempting to engage at the starter full no load rpm.

It would not be too difficult to fab one up. I think hardest part would be getting the engagement depth set. My pony needs to be rebuilt. No compression at all. My grader engine is on the shop floor yet. Plenty of room to work and see.
Have you got a 40MT starter? How difficult/expensive are they?


Matt

A 40mt is the easiest to use but other starters can and have been used. Just takes some machine work.

I gave an old (rebuilt) 24V starter I had (came off of a 1963 MACK 673 eng.) to a fellow wanting direct start on his 9U D-6. It wasn't a 40mt but I had seen the same 24V MACK starter with some machine work used on a 3T D-7 before.

He had his brother turn the bolt flange off the bendix snout. Made a plate for the snout and to fit the bolt pattern on the dozer. Then he got measurements for the right depth for the flywheel, turned so solenoid, wires, everything was in the right position and brazed it to starter housing. Still on it and working fine when he sold it.

The 40MT was one of the most common truck and tractor starters out there. It is now obsolete and replaced by the 42MT which in my opinion is a better built unit. Prices for 40MT's can range from give away to about $300 for rebuilts and about the same for a China knock-off. You may want to change the drive end housing and you will need the RH helical drive gear (readily available) to make it work if you are engaging the main flywheel.

The standard SAE nose is set up for a 2" depth between mounting flange and face of flywheel.

If your going to convert I don't see any point in running through the original clutch and pinion, in fact I'd recommend that you don't. Put the effort into adapting direct to the main flywheel bellhousing. Although you don't see them very often I'm pretty sure there are ready made to install conversions available if you don't want to tackle it yourself.

Matt,
I looked on ebay and you can get a rebuilt 42MT for 150 + 20 shipping.
Is the pony clutch and pinion housing removable or is it part of the block casting?

The housing is separate and removable.

Any tips on building an adaptor once all of the pony stuff is removed? Tips on removing the housing?