Is there a trick to installing a starter motor? I have put a different one on and it revs freely, havnt been able to get it to mesh with the flywheel.

The last starter on the car (gemini) had the same problems but after a bit of power to the starter motor, it would eventually grab. Then however it hardly had enough power to turn the engine over. This is why i have switched it. besides it is too bulky

just spinning freely is not enough - the gear that engages the flywheel must move down the shaft to engage the flywheel. Similarly it must move back up the shaft once the engine starts and kicks it off flywheel.

The shaft on the starter has grooves on it to guide the this spin in and out process of the gear. It must be clean, and not damged. Dont place heaps of oil or grease on the shaft as this will only ultimately attract dirt and dust and stop the gearing spinning in when the ignition switch is turned.

I had a collection of old starter motors and recently I needed one for my car- i tested five before I found one that had enough everything to work in the car. That is brushes, bushes and something called sufficient commutator undercut. I didn't reco any of them i just needed one to work there and then. Four dead ones.

Now apart from what I have said - no - there is no tricks to the starter motor instillation. Two bolts and connect the power to the 7/16th stud.

thanks
a bit of cleaning and this ones running!

better than the gemini would u believe!
(i suspect that the gemini starter motor requires more than just the thick + wire)