Is there a gasket between the starter motor and the bell housing on a 48 DeSoto???

[MarcDeSoto]

The parts book doesn't mention one and I can't find any info on this.  It just seem like there should be a gasket between these two parts.  Also I didn't have the bolts to put on the starter, but I found two bolts that I think are the originals.  They are about 1 1/2" long so they go through the bell housing about a 1/4" but don't come near the flywheel teeth.  I also plan to put lock washers on them.  Am I right?  Thanks, Marc.

Edited September 29, 2021 by MarcDeSoto

[plymouthcranbrook]

I have never seen any gasket on any car between the starter motor and the housing. Sometimes a metal spacer but that is all. The starter must have a good ground to work for one and there should not be any liquid passing from either place, starter or bell housing.

Edited September 29, 2021 by plymouthcranbrook

[MarcDeSoto]

Thanks, that makes some sense since there's no liquid involved with a starter motor.  And the Parts List doesn't show or mention a gasket and they usually do for parts that need gaskets like the oil pump and the water pump.  

[Sniper]

It is my understanding that, for optimal strength, a bolt should engage threads for at least the same amount in depth as the diameter of the bolt.  So if it's a 1/2"-20 bolt it should engage at least a 1/2" of thread. 

[knuckleharley]

30 minutes ago, Sniper said:

It is my understanding that, for optimal strength, a bolt should engage threads for at least the same amount in depth as the diameter of the bolt.  So if it's a 1/2"-20 bolt it should engage at least a 1/2" of thread. 

EXACTLY!

 

IF you are going to err,err on the side of caution. 

 

There is no such critter as too much thread contact as long as the end of the bolt isn't interfeering with anything else.

[chrysler1941]

Seems you're alright

 

[MarcDeSoto]

Even though I have a 48 DeSoto, those are the same dimensions of my starter motor bolts, 1 1/4" long by 7/16".