Archived Disabled Starter Blues

[Sasquatch]

Just got Larry B's starter rebuild kit, and am trying to remove the starter on my '97 4x4.



The only way I've been able to get at the top bolt has been with a series of ratchet extensions, a swivel socket, and my 1/2" wrench. I'm trying to get at it from the top, outside the engine compartment of the truck. No way to reach it from underneath the truck that I can see...



I've soaked the bolt head with "liquid wrench," and used all my strength, but so far no luck. Even added a 4' length of 3/4" galvanized pipe to the end, and used it as a "breaker bar".



Getting at the bolt head from the bottom isn't possible. There's too much going on, including the front driveshaft, breather hose, misc. lines, frame members, etc.



I'd appreciate the advice of anyone who's done this before on a 4wd, as Larry B. said he'd only done the contact/plunger replacement on 2wd fleet trucks.



Am working on a skid board in the driveway, without any kind of lift, which adds to the difficulty.



Any help/advice would be much appreciated.



Sasquatch (Atlanta, GA)

 

[Lnwing]

The only way I can get my starter off is to use a 10mm 12 point wrench. It usually takes a "cheater" to get enough leverage to break it loose. It's close quarters, but can be done.

For more info, do a search on starter removal.

Good luck!

 

[Sasquatch]

Lnwing:



Finally went to Sears, bought a 1/2" x 1O mm socket and another 1/2" by 20" extension. Also got a heavy duty, 1/2" "Flex T Handle," then put 260 lbs. of ass behind the effort. The bolt broke loose with a "Bang!" that sounded like a gun shot. I though I'd broken it. No way that puppy was coming out of there with a 10 mm box end on it, I don't care what I attached to the end.



Thanks for your kind thoughts. One down, two to go. At least the bottom two are half-way accessible from underneath the truck.



Should've known better than to buy the stories—"It'll only take you 45 mins. , even if you're a blind paraplegic!"

 

[illflem]

I've had to resort to turning the top bolt with a high quality wrench and a hydraulic bottle jack several times, works great. Wear glasses

 

[guns101]

starter blues

The first time i took out my starter to rebuild the solinoid,it took me 45 minutes and a lot of words I would get tossed out for using. That top bolt was a bioch. Good idea to wrap the hot lead,I mean disconnect the batteries,of course. One word,neverseize,use plenty. IMHO,when you hear that clickety click of the starter,pick a nice day and do it soon... It does not get "better" or go away... lol

 

[Sasquatch]

Starter's back in, and performing like a champ.



You know the old saw about, "Necessity being the mother of invention?" Well, I relied on an old framer's trick to break the bottom bolts loose. I put a scrap of 2x6 on the driveway under the starter motor, then put the 10mm boxend on the bolt(s) and measured from the wrench (positioned on the bolt-head, and parallel to the driveway) down to the 2x6.



In my case, the distance from the wrench downwards to the top of the the 2x6 was 20", so I cut a piece of 2x4 scrap lumber two inches longer than that (22") and wedged the 2x4 upright under the wrench, and between it and the 2x6 board sitting flat on the driveway. I then held the top of the 2x4 against the wrench, and beat the bottom of the board as though I was trying to knock it "plumb," this forced the wrench up, and broke the bolt loose. Worked great the second time, too. No fuss, no muss. Because you're forcing the wrench upwards with a scrap of 2x4, it's easier on the tool, too, because the wood's softer.

('Oo. ')



Thanks for the "input".