Engine starter no flywheel

[RichHolmes]

Hi all, I've just aquired a Simms super V Jet boat as a project I'm used to outboards but new to inboard engines. I have a fully maranised 3 Litre V6 Ford Capri engine a pp jet unit which seems to join together ok with a universal joint but there is no flywheel or bellhousing. As I can't mount a starter motor I can't start the engine. Should there be a flywheel or is ther a product that starts engines using the drive shaft Thanks hope some one can help.

[anthony goodson]

This engine and jet unit were a very common and successful combination in this boat ,and of course it will need a flywheel,apart from the fact that you can't start it ,it will not run without one.

[RichHolmes]

Thanks, Thought it needed flywheel any idea where I can get a flywheel and bellhousing also do you know if it needs to be a marine flywheel or will the original do if I can find one Thanks again

[anthony goodson]

There is no marine flywheel, a standard flywheel is fine ,but it will need to be machined to accept the coupling for the jet . I guess a breakers yard will be your best bet. I cannot remember offhand if the "essex" and "cologne" versions of this engine shared the same flywheel/starter motor combination.I do remember that the V4 's were different some had a pre-engaged pinion and some didn't , but it was all such a long time ago.Perhaps someone else here remembers but in any case I would suggest that for future reference you find out from the engine no which version you have, as you may need to know to order spares. I am at my home in Murcia at the moment and most of my reference books are in the UK. On the upside of things, if you rebuild this boat properly you will have a very nice little ski boat, it may be old but it will hold its own with much more modern machinery good luck

[CDK]

Originally Posted by anthony goodson

This engine and jet unit were a very common and successful combination in this boat ,and of course it will need a flywheel,apart from the fact that you can't start it ,it will not run without one.

Why do you think the engine will not run without a flywheel?

[anthony goodson]

@CDK I try to make my postings on here as helpful as possible, Richard Holmes has asked for help and I am trying to provide this .I know this V6 PP set up very well and he needs a flywheel to make it work. You may be able to run a V6 without a flywheel, but it will need an equivalent rotating mass to be of any use to anyone.

[pistnbroke]

I would also add I dont think he needs a bell housing ( from the vehicle ) There are lots of threaded holes in the rear of the engine and a mount for the starter can be made from 1/4 plate .make it in thin ply first and get it plasma cut at your local shop . the pinion should be 3 mm or 1/8 from the ring gear .

[RichHolmes]

Thanks anthony I'm on hunt for a flywheel shouldn't be difficult
And I'll get a friend who's a fabricator to come up with a starter mount

[CDK]

Originally Posted by anthony goodson

@CDK I try to make my postings on here as helpful as possible, Richard Holmes has asked for help and I am trying to provide this .I know this V6 PP set up very well and he needs a flywheel to make it work. You may be able to run a V6 without a flywheel, but it will need an equivalent rotating mass to be of any use to anyone.

A commendable attitude.

A flywheel certainly comes in handy to start any car engine, I was just curious about the "will not run" phrase.

[anthony goodson]

Good morning CDK the reason for the phrase was that many of the vehicles using this engine were automatic.I have no doubt that in his quest for a flywheel he will be offered an auto flexiplate and starter combination , this combination will start his engine ,but deprived of the mass of the torque converter,clearly obselete in this application, the engine will not run ,at least not in any acceptable way ,I wanted him to be clear that he needs a flywheel.I would also say that there were many posts archived on this site ,about connecting a Ford V6 to a PP65 some with photos and worth a look.I apologise for my tetchiness we have many power cuts here at the moment ,internet access can be a frustrating business.