2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Reinstalling the starter

[mfburns]

OK. I just installed starter contacts from Larry B. I am looking for any suggestions on how to make the install easier then the removal. The top bolt was a real PITA. My fingers are old and fat and not long enough to do this easily. Any advice would be appreciated, else I can just expand my vocabulary when I skin my knuckles tomorrow. Should I lube the new rod or the old spring before I install it? It looks like there was some form of graphite lube on the old rod I removed.

 

[fest3er]

Yes, all those bolts are a PITA. Especially the ones that I have to use a small 12pt box wrench with an extension to tighten/loosen.

Start the other two bolts and get them nearly snugged up, then install the top bolt. Look at it from the top. It might be easier for you to remove the fuel filter assembly and reach down to install/start the top bolt. I lay a large flattened corrugated box over the radiator/engine and lay down on it when working down the side; it's much more comfy, especially when the engine is still a little warm. Adding a sheet of packing foam helps, too.

Hmmm. We should have a members-only forum in which we can identify the parts of the truck that teach us new vocabularies when we have to repair them the first time. Just think of the time you'd save if you could learn the new words in advance in the comfort of your computer chair and waste less time on the actual repair. Well, I think it's a good idea, but Mrs. Robin may have a dim view of the idea (at least publicly).

 

[Bill Lins]

Long (24") extensions help.

 

[surfbeetle]

Get an extension with a swivel socket for the top bolt. I had my starter out, rebuilt with the Larry B stuff and back in the truck in less than 30 minutes.

 

[mfburns]

Thanks for the replies. I was afraid that there really was no magic answer, but the advice should be helpful.



Surfbeetle: It take me that long to gather my tools and crawl under the truck.

 

[DValentine]

Don't know if its right but I put mine in dry. I installed the starter with the bottom bolts then did the top with an extension as mentioned above.

 

[mfburns]

Thanks for all the advice. I used an extension and did the bottom bolts then the top and it went in very fast. I used a 3" and 6" extension together but I think a 12" would be better. I put a little teflon lube on the spring. I tried to start it but it did not want to turn over, after thinking about it for awhile I undid the little wire, cleaned the connection a little bit, retightened it and presto, I'm working again. Thanks for the assist.

 

[JCyrbok]

Don't know if its right but I put mine in dry. I installed the starter with the bottom bolts then did the top with an extension as mentioned above.

i did the same (dry and with extension) took about 1 hour for removal, rebuild and re-install. Do the bottom bolts like others have said then the upper upon re-install.



J-

 

[robbiesworld]

I snugged my bottom bolts up by hand then reached way up there with my right hand and got the top bolt all the way in with my fingers. . AND YES my arms were covered in oil from the front driveline and YES I got clumps pf oil im my eyes.