Classic/Antique Car Repair: 41 ply, Plymouth flathead parts interchange

Question
sir...my wife has a 41 plymouth.  she thinks the motor was replaced in the 70's.  the motor needs a starter so we're trying to indentify the motor.  the motor number is P23 #636923.  i'm told that any starter 41-48 dodge or plymouth will work.  is that correct?   the motor is a flathead 6.   thank you

Answer
Hello Gary,

You're wife's right...from your information, your car currently has a 1952 Plymouth 218 CID engine on board. In general, the parts interchange on the flathead Plymouth's was broad but it so happens that in 1952, Plymouth installed an updated starter in your car. The update was in the the starter "bendix", the part of the starter that engages the flywheel to start the car.

I couldn't find this definitively, but starter changes like this often change the flywheel clearances also which need to be precise. Mismeshing the starter will cause the awfulest sound you've ever heard and even could break a few tooths from the flywheel, never a good thing!

I recommend you contact your local chapter of the Plymouth Owners Club or check Alpar.com to verify interchange if you still want to use the earlier starter. If it were me, I'd try to get a correct 1952 unit. If your unable to find this, Plymouth produced the updated 218/230 series in your engine family from 1952-1959 in cars and 'til 1962 in Dodge trucks. It is more likely that these years will fit correctly than the 1940-1951 series.

Good luck with this fine car!

Bob