Damn Starter snapped!

[brian hagen <brian.hagen@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

About 2 weeks ago I wrote a post on the list about how i was having  
problems installing a new MP starter on my 63 Newport.  One of the  
issues was a missing starter shield (fixed.) and I also seemed to  
have issues mounting the starter itself.  As I was tightening down  
the bolts i noticed that the top starter mount seemed to be not  
mounting flush with the block.  Most replies I got said that i was  
probably gravity (weight of starter) and I shouldnt have a problem  
because it can only go on one way. I also asked about the teeth not  
meshing, which was debunked.

So i got a new starter shield, installed it and proceeded to install  
the starter.  I first installed the top bolt and tightened it down a  
bit. Not too much. Just past finger-tight.  I then installed the  
bottom nut under the starter and fully tightened it down.  I went  
back up to the top bolt and proceeded to do the final tightening with  
my wrench.

Thats when things went bad.  I got it down to what seemed to be a  
good amount of tightening. I wasnt' putting all my weight into it and  
I was about to switch to a longer rachet for the last couple turns  
when SNAP! The mounting tab on the starter snapped off. Completely  
off.  I dont think that i over tightened it because of the amount of  
force i was giving it at the time wasn't really that much.

I think what happened is that the starter 'nose' is hitting something  
internally that forces it to not be installed on my block.  I know  
its SUPPOSED to fit, but the break is the same symptom I had when i  
first installed it.. the starter doesn't want to mount flush with the  
block.  I think if i hadn't given it that one last turn.. it would  
have snapped anyway once I started driving the car.

I took some photos of the carnage.  Anyone want to buy a brand new  
broken starter?!  Will the new MP starters just not fit on my car?  
(63 Newport 361)

What went wrong?

Here are the photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/60113804@N00/sets/72157600570049663/

Click on them for larger versions


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