Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) HELP! getting starter off!

[Got Smoke?]

Well I just spent the last 2 hours trying to get my starter off to install my LarryB contact kit. then hopelessly giving up when I couldn't budge the bolts and did some other work.



Any help out there on how to get the starter off?



I could almost install the contacts and plunger with the starter in but I think that big motor mount would pose a problem!



I'm open to suggestion because a 12pt. 10mm wrench, brute strength, and penatrating oil didn't work#@$%! #@$%! #@$%! :{



The only good thing I got accomplished in those 2 hours was finally getting my CB reinstalled after putting my Ultimate Console in about a month ago! And now something seems wrong with my CB!:{ :{

 

[Ben Rumson]

Impact Wrench?

Penetrating oil will help.



Try and find a friend or neighbor with an air Impact Wrench - they can make a HUGH difference on tight, hard to reach stuff.



Also, I've had good luck with PB Blaster solvent. I buy WD-40 by the gallon and use it for routine nuts and bolts. But use PB when penetration really counts.



Even if you could drive the truck to someone's house that has an impact wrench and have them loosen and then re-snug them good enough for you to get back home and finish the job at your leisure.



Sorry to hear that it's been such a bear...



- Ben

 

[Got Smoke?]

Thanks Ben I'll see if I can borrow a 12pt 10mm socket from somebody tomorrow



Didn't even think of that (duh!)

 

[Dkevdog]

Those suckers can really be on there tight- Mine were . It took an impact on a wobble extension to blow mine off- I know of others - I think Illflem suggesting the use of a bottle jack against the socket to break them loose. Once you get the starter off, the contacts are the easy part .



Kev

 

[Andy Redmond]

I use a 12 pt. 10mm with a long extension and a flex head ratchet. I also use a very short ext. with this combo too (its about 1. 5" overall. Usually the one on top will give the most grief.

My 3/8" drive air rachet is to cumbersome to use.





I've also slipped a small piece of pipe over the open end of the box combo wrench as a "cheater" in a pinch.



As a last resort, Use the a hammer on the box combo wrench, if your tool vendor will warranty such and you don't have the correct socket.



Good luck,



Andy

 

[Deezul1]

The right socket and the shortest extension that will still work and a 18" ratchet and it will come out. I think the same guy that puts on the oil filters at the factory installs the starter bolts because those suckers are real tight on a lot of these trucks.

 

[MDW]

Rubber mallet against a wrench. Poor mans impact

 

[Got Smoke?]

Thanks for all your help and support. A buddy at the dealership I'm co-oping at for college laughed and said "bring that truck in here" today... ... I brought it in, he broke them loose (and retightened them), and all is



Gonna do the kit after dinner tonight Oo.

 

[Got Smoke?]

Thanks again to all of you. I got the starter off, contacts and plunger in, and reinstalled the starter in about 30 minutes.



Job is real easy and simple, once you get the dang bolts loose!:-laf

 

[Christen]

where would u get larry b's contact kit? i would like to have them on hand if the need arises. tnx denny

 

[illflem]

LarryB's -- http://www.fostertruck.com/dodge/default.htm

 

[San Felipe Bob]

Better change the contacts at the first sign of trouble!

I had my starter stick in the on position and it would'nt stop cranking till I disconnected both batteries.

Kinda scary hearing the starter grind and growel for 3minutes straight while iI tried ti figure out how to make it stop. All the while holding the ignition key in my right hand!

A real mind blower.



sfb

 

[RAMSTER21]

Starter bolts

I feel your pain, I spent two hours one night and got the bottom bolts loose, gave up till last Friday night. With a little help of a friend, we got'em off



Yes change those contacts, if you have over 100,000 it's more than likely, they need replaced. My truck had 117800 and the one next to battery cable lead, was almost paper then. Installed new Larry B's contacts with new plunger and WOW It's like on rapid start now.



My hat goes off to the Cummins Wizards out there.



Working on starting to BOMB, looking into a 4" Turbo back system.

 

[Champane Flight]

Sometimes

When I get a frozen bolt like those, I have a old extension that I put my scket on and give a rap on the end of the old extension with my trusty hammer. Then change back to the good extension, and it usually comes loose.