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For clarity, are you saying, by pass the solenoid by (using Don's picture) using a jumper cable from the large post #1 directly to the starter motor, with the key on, to determine if the starter stays engaged properly? No chance of doing any damage with this test?

Well to confess, the no start wasn't always on my Ford either, but I can surely remember crossing the posts with a screwdriver several times.

I meant to say mine has posts 1 & 4 only.

I based that information solely on my being in a no start situation with various fords 60-80's several times personally, and having to jump/by pass the solenoid to start the vehicle by crossing post 2/3 (as you have them labeled nicely) to engage the starter and then having to replace said solenoid. In fact I always carried a spare. Kind of like a porcelain ballast resistor type thing for a 70's mopar! Anyway of further investigation finally last night, my solenoid on the 49 does NOT have posts 2/3. And the extra wires I spoke of are tucked under the nuts for 1-2 which I still haven't had time to trace yet in the rats nest of wires, thank you so much for your time and effort and help! this is the problem with buying a "new" vehicle and starting from scratch (pun intended).

Well sir I initiated the whole post for help removing the starter because the starter drive was my initial suspicion. Then I talked to a few other people and they seemed to disagree with me. Maybe wishful thinking on my part, and I may replace it just because I know they are not that expensive, should be able to get one locally by matching it up, and a lot easier to replace. Like I said though that being said, its the two "stray" connected wires I'm wondering about. Also does anyone know if the mounting bolts would be the ground for that unit?

Sorry my business keeps me away for long periods and my sporadic comments are now off topic but I have been thinking about my starter, and before I attempt to remove it anyway, since the problem is premature disengaging, is it possible that the fender mounted solenoid (looks like the typical Ford 2 post style to me) is the culprit? That's a heck of a lot easier to get to, but the only thing that bothers me (I didn't do the 12V conversion) is that there are a two (I believe only 2) extra wires attached to it. Any experience and advice on that would be appreciated; I have zero experience in 6-12 volt conversions, but I do know that the Ford solenoids were problematic. thanks again so much guys, and again sorry for my work taking me away for lengthy periods.

That's what i would have guessed. Now I just need to get the darn thing out <grin>. Still working on that little tid bit. Again you guys are fantastic!

Do I need a complete starter rebuild if the starter on my 49 Plymouth is disengaging sometimes before the engine is started?

Great stuff! I'm thinking weak starter drive spring, but who knows. Anyway with a family and 2/3 in college back ( 70's--80's) then I had to stick with the shovels, as even then the good knuckles were going overseas, at least in New England where I'm originally from. Plus I found the shovels a little more reliable, being a fairly weak wrench on bikes myself, especially when it came to electrical issues. I have had Todd from Hunting Harley's looking for me, but he seems to think that 50K for a knuckle is "chump change". so I stick with my Shovels.

Wish I had the room like this, especially between the starter motor housing and the bolt itself. though even in this pic, not sure how the "C" wrench I have would work on the motor side, and the other side, have people removed the shifting linkage to get a hand on it?

I found mine in a box. Almost identical to the one pictured; 9/16 X 5/8. Certainly not going on the motor side. Maybe I call in Penn & Teller to use it. You guys have all been great to me so far. I'll keep on trying, Maybe it's me; I have no skills on Mopars. Dan

Yes sir, as above, but I may have given up too easily on it. I was afraid to round the bolt head as I wasn't getting a good flush bite.

I have old wrenches from our family garage back to the 50's---but no luck, thanks! I know the "C" wrench you guys speak of and probably had one at one time--can't find it now. Of course I think I must need to buy more tools! :o) thanks again. Dan

I may need to try that--it will certainly need to be a 12 point for sure. 3/8" drive wobble socket, even shallow, doesn't have enough room, let alone 1/2" drive probably needed to loosen. Even old set of offset wrenches I have from our garage in the 50-60's not working. this may be a 12 V starter, not sure as I just bought this car with a 12V "conversion" though still a generator. has fender mounted solenoid, so I'm not sure if they left the 6V started for me to deal with (starter drive doesn't stay engaged long enough) or what I am dealing with, along with heater fan inop and some other electrical issues. At first I liked the idea of a 12V, but now not so sure. Thanks for your help; I guess I could be called shovelharley as I'm 64 but never had the pleasure or money to own a knuckle! Also, my first Mopar--always been GM.

1949 Plymouth Special Deluxe. No room to get to the top starter bolt!