Ford 2000 - wrong starter?

So this is a weird one for me.

I just got a new-to-me tractor that I believe to be a 1974 Ford 2000 Diesel. Model No. B1012K Production Code 4L27B (excuse my terminology if I named those incorrectly)

Even with a brand new battery and a properly done 10SI conversion (3 wire) with diode and dummy light on exciter, it's been having trouble starting.

It sounds like the starter is dragging so I took it off, and grabbed the rebuilt starter off my (I believe) '71 3000 Diesel that blew up last year. This is where it gets weird for me.

It looks like the new tractor has a gas starter on it (the 4.5). It has a separate solenoid mounted near it and is significantly smaller than my 71's starter. I don't understand how this could be unless I'm missing something.

I tried mounting the starter from the '71 anyway (which should be the right one for a diesel..., as far as I know) and it kicked out and spun but did not spin over the engine. No apparent damage to the flywheel.

Upon further inspection it looks like the teeth are bigger on the diesel starter...

Maybe someone used a flywheel ring for a gasoline engine? I'm at a loss.

I've only been dealing with these tractors for a few years and I'm in my 20's, so I'm hoping I can find someone with a bit more experience to chime in. Thanks either way.

The starter ring gear is the only difference in the flywheels, sounds like some one put a gas starter ring and starter on a diesel or put a diesel engine on what was originally a gas tractor.
The gas starter doesn't have the torque of the diesel starter, get your self another starter that fits your tractor.

If he indeed has a diesel engine with a
gas ring gear and starter, he'll need to
split it, put the proper ring gear on,
and then use a diesel starter... or if
still won't start like it should.
Or would it be possible to put a gas
starter's gear on a diesel starter...
saving the time and effort of splitting
the tractor?

I'm not totally sure. The trans stamp is where I got the info from so at least the trans and motor are what they're supposed to be. B1012K should be an 2000 Ag class Diesel I believe.. But the hood was off a 65 2000 Gas so... Maybe they did swap some parts. I am REALLLLLY hoping not to split the tractor. I'm going to a place that rebuilds my starters tomorrow, maybe they can put the gas gear on my diesel starter. *sigh* but that's for all the info so far.

Thanks* I meant, for all the info. Won't let me edit.

Gas starter drive will not fit a diesel starter, look at the flywheel ring teeth on both tractors, teeth on a diesel ring are bigger and courser "not as many".
If someone has put a gas flywheel ring on the diesel a split will be necessary to swap on the correct ring.
Gas starter doesn't have the torque needed to properly crank a diesel engine.

Edit does not work on this forum.

Yeah, the starter shop told me as much. The Lucas m50 he called it apparently can t be equipped with a gas sized gear. I had the gas starter rebuilt (it was very tired of cranking a diesel) and I ll probably use it until it won t work so I can finish out mowing for this year, if it ll make it.

I m wondering now if I can put that engine on my other trans/rear from the 71... it was a live pto 8/2 vs this one is a trans pto 6/4... will need to do some research, but if I have to split it I may try it. I miss my live pto and didn t know enough to tell the difference.

If you have the flywheel and clutch to go
with the live PTO 8speed, yes, you can do
the swap. The bell housing bolt pattern
is the same.

I have the whole tractor still, it blew up last year or at least I assume. Started knocking bad and I parked it.

Probably ought to get a new clutch and plate.

Thanks for the info though. Very tempting to do it now. The trans pto keeps screwing me up lol.