top sarter bolt?

[crazycarlo]

so im in the middle of dropping the tranny to remove my clutch ive got almost everything done except the top starter bolt. Everywhere i read says to use 2 6 inch extensions with a universal in between but for the life of me i cant get it. Anyone have any detailed instructions or pics?

 

[Quadcammer]

two 6 inch extensions?

no.

13mm socket
3" extension
swivel with electrical tape loosely around the joint
18" extension
ratchet

Approach from the pass side wheel well. You will have to go over the motor mount, and I believe over the swaybar (its been a while now)

If you can, use your fingers to guide the socket onto the bolt, and crack it loose. The rest is easy.

The first time you do it, it can be a bitch, but at this point I can have a starter out in about 15 minutes.

 

[97/4.6w/fangs]

have fun

my starter is only held in with 2 bolts now because that one is a bitch. I didn't bother putting it back in

 

[Niks97cobra]

After doing my header install, I think I decided from then on if I ever had to change the starter, I'd go ahead and drop the k-member again lol. It is that much of a PITA. However, good luck and I remember going through behind the tire, over the motor mount as stated above the last time I dropped my transmission.

 

[crazycarlo]

it was alot easier once i took the wires off the solenoid, i could reach up there and guide my hand on the bolt, i appreciae all the guidance, so youve never had a problem with only 2 bolts in the starter?

 

[NoviBlown92]

I also only installed the two bottom ones. No problems with it yet.

 

[Quadcammer]

Put the third bolt back on unless you are a piker.

Ford put a third bolt in there for a reason. They are not in the habit of including extra stuff that costs extra money for nothing.

It was there when you bought it, put it back.

 

[AtlanticCobra98]

i also left the 3rd one out... been like that for years.....

 

[blown up 98]

I got so frustrated with that bolt i put a tubulear k member in. Its a piece if cake now!

 

[svt98snke]

Im changing my x pipe this weekend & im glad I read this thread. If you guys havent had trouble then may go back with two bolts instead of three, I remember how much fun it was to get that top bolt in last time.

 

[ProChargedSnake]

Definately leave out the top bolt after you get it out!! Use a Craftsman 3ft 1/2" drive extension through the K-member, throw that bolt as far out in the field as you can!!

 

[97/4.6w/fangs]

Im changing my x pipe this weekend & im glad I read this thread. If you guys havent had trouble then may go back with two bolts instead of three, I remember how much fun it was to get that top bolt in last time.

changing your x pipe should have nothing to do with the starter

 

[svt98snke]

changing your x pipe should have nothing to do with the starter

I have some PITA shorty headers

 

[97/4.6w/fangs]

I have some PITA shorty headers

ahh I see. Boo for you bud lol

 

[Quadcammer]

lot of hack mechanics in here I guess.

 

[svt98snke]

Weight reduction :-D

 

[ju015dd]

two have been holding mine for 4 years now with no probs at all. no hack job here bro, love my car!!

 

[Quadcammer]

yes, its a hack job "bro"

you half assed it because you didn't want the hassle of doing something properly.

Thats the definition of hack job.

 

[SNAKEYE]

If you can get the top bolt out you can get it back in. Use a bit of masking tape to hold the bolt in the socket but not prevent the socket from coming off of the bolt head when the bolt is tight. Also wrap any swivel or universal joint with a bit of masking tape to stiffen the joint so that it doesn't flop around.
With just the two lower bolts installed the weight of the starter motor hanging out there in space as the car bounces down the road will twist at the lower mounting flanges of the starter, eventually cracking them off and leaving the starter hanging on the cable. It only a matter of time.

 

[crazycarlo]

Well thankfully for me I figured out a way I can reach the bolt with no problem, thank god for little hands and 4 years experience in the Navy working in small places on fighter jets, thanks for the advice guys.