Correct starter doesn't fit 1972 Dart 318

[dartnlo]

I ordered a replacement starter for my 1972 Dodge Dart 318 from autozone. I went to install it and it wouldn't bolt up and felt "stuck" I found out the field housing end was hitting a brace and bolt on the engine block and it was keeping the starter at a slight angle.

Everything I look up points to this 1972 318 needing the 3258 starter, which is the one I bought. While the old one installed in mine is the one with a shorter field housing, model 3250. There is about a half inch difference in overall length.

I've read about the difference between them. The 3258 is a higher HP model that came along later I gather. Do you think there is a chance that my car has had a motor from older year installed? I'll see if I can get a picture of what I'm talking about.

 

[72Dart6pack]

Take the brace off. You don't need it. Brace should go from engine to trans.

 

[toolmanmike]

It's supposed to be a 3257. That's the rebuilt number that Rock auto lists. A 96 Dakota 3.9 V6 starter will fit as well. It's a Mini and they are small and very efficient.

 

[dartnlo]

Take the brace off. You don't need it. Brace should go from engine to trans.

Cool, I'll take a look at it tomorrow and try it! Thanks!

 

[72Dart6pack]

Yeah. But he has a new starter already. Let's save him some money and just remove the brace. Cost $0.0

 

[AJ/FormS]

Anyone know what that brace is for? Me neither, I got a box full of 'em keeping the floor down in my back shed. They are just a huge aggravation. I'm waiting for the restores to come out of the woodwork begging for a set, and I'll finally have hit the jackpot!

 

[rustycowll69]

I've just ground a little clearance in them, the couple of times I've had interference. I don't know that that will work in your case, though

 

[Tooljunkie]

I have seen broken bellhousings from lack of a brace. Saying that i bet it took some serious abuse to break it.
Like ditching car,hard snowbank, etc...
If mine will work with starter, they will be there.

 

[72Dart6pack]

Brace is to tie engine to trans together to make it more secure. Not really needed. The one on the other side will be fine.
Someone wanna sell me a set. I'll go $5 a piece?

 

[MoparMike1974]

I need a passenger side brace if anyone has an extra. I usually put them back on if I have them. Never had an interference problem with them.

 

[H22A4]

Are you going for a concours restoration? Can you return the starter and get a mini starter? Go for something smaller and lighter!

 

[dartnlo]

Are you going for a concours restoration? Can you return the starter and get a mini starter? Go for something smaller and lighter!

I'm not even sure that what I'm doing is any kind of restoration. Right now I'm just making it a reliable driver and fixing rust as I go. If autozone won't take it back in trade I'll be doing the removal. I'm just glad to be able to putt around town in a Dart again! I was looking for a slant-six when I got this one if that tells you anything about my driving style

 

[j par]

Brace is to tie engine to trans together to make it more secure. Not really needed. The one on the other side will be fine.
Someone wanna sell me a set. I'll go $5 a piece?

I need a passenger side brace if anyone has an extra. I usually put them back on if I have them. Never had an interference problem with them.

BINGO!!

Anyone know what that brace is for? Me neither, I got a box full of 'em keeping the floor down in my back shed. They are just a huge aggravation. I'm waiting for the restores to come out of the woodwork begging for a set, and I'll finally have hit the jackpot!

 

[j par]

After remember told me to go get one at a wrecking yard I will never do anything but that ever again. When I got looks like it'll work forever. It was just a little bit of cleaning up and $22.
Of course that's a modern mini starter that weighs less than half and takes up half the space..

 

[dartnlo]

I've just ground a little clearance in them, the couple of times I've had interference. I don't know that that will work in your case, though

Thanks for the advice, I ground about 3/16" off the bolt head and it fit just fine. And wow my starter really sucked. The new one really cranks nice and fast!