Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Starter Removal 98 12V

[RJOL]

Did a quick search but didn't find the answer so here goes...



My brother's 98 12V has a bad starter (probably the solenoid). He has tried to remove it, but can't find a way to get to the top bolt of the starter unit. He says he has looked at removing the wheel skirt, but doesn't think that will get him access, as there are other engine parts in the way. Is there a "trick" to getting that top bolt out?

 

[Dave M]

Here is a thread I posted with pics on how I replaced the starter on my 97:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...ssions/147505-starter-replacement-w-pics.html



The top bolt was removed as shown in the pic in post#2 by my using my floor jack with a 2x4 to get under the wrench on the upper bolt. A little pressure up on the jack while holding the wrench from slipping and it comes off easily.



Dave

 

[Moe]

I just repaired mine by having my son lay on top of the engine and I was under the truck. He put the wrench on and I pushed up. Hope this helps. MOE

 

[fest3er]

I used a 10mm or so box wrench on the bolt and another larger one on the open end to turn it. It's a royal PITA, but it can be done.

 

[Bob4x4]

All the bolts can be accessed from under the truck,having the mucsle to break them loose is the trick



Bob

 

[WDaniels]

RJOL,

I just had my starter off. The fastest way is to prepare the truck for your safety. Then make sure you turn the wheel to the right so the aft portion of the front left tire is out to the left. That will give you more than enough room to lie under the truck. I will lay with my feet pointed toward the front right tire or so, and my head and chest under those two arms. Take off the two wires on the bottom of the starter. When you get the top bolt broke loose remove it. Then break loose both the bottom and center bolts. Remove the bottom one, the remove the center one. Pull the starter aft and slip it down between the pan and the two arms or over the arms or what ever works for you. (I'm having a senior moment and cannot remember the name for those two arms) That is the eaisest and fastest way to remove the starter. You might need a 1/2 drive with a shallow socket to get the torque to remove the top bolt. Just keep at it and it'll come out, I promise. Hope this helps

WD

 

[RJOL]

Thanks for the info... I'll pass these on...

 

[Bob4x4]

:-laf 1/2 drive socket will not fit... ... ..... a 3/8 drive universal 10mm 12 pt chrome socket will

 

[Bob V]

Is he replacing the starter or the starter contacts? 99. 99% of the time all it needs are contacts. Look here LarryB's Dodge starting problems solved here.

 

[RJOL]

He has a spare starter, so he wants to replace the one that's there. My brother is a guy that has rebuilt more trucks and changed out more engines that I can count. He lives about 500 miles from me, but if he says he is having a hard time getting the top bolt out, I believe him. He usually works by himself, so he doesn't have the extra hands to help. I know he will eventually figure this out, but I appreciate your inputs. I have sent him some photos, and will call tomorrow, and see if they help. It isn't an emergency, so he will take his time. Also, the weather along the Canadian boarder, in NE Washington, hasn't been all that condusive to working on his truck, outside...

 

[BigPapa]

Rick,



I use my 12-point, 3/8" drive, 10mm socket, a couple of extensions (I think the 6" and the 3"), a ratchet and sometimes a cheater pipe. Never really been that hard to remove.



Didn't notice if it was 2WD or 4WD. Mine's a 2WD with more access to the starter from what I understand than a 4WD.



Scott

 

[RJOL]

Rick,



I use my 12-point, 3/8" drive, 10mm socket, a couple of extensions (I think the 6" and the 3"), a ratchet and sometimes a cheater pipe. Never really been that hard to remove.



Didn't notice if it was 2WD or 4WD. Mine's a 2WD with more access to the starter from what I understand than a 4WD.



Scott

Thanks... His is 4 wheels drive, for what that's worth. There are some engine componets in the way, but I don't remember exactly what (lines, brackets, or ???).

 

[BigPapa]

There are some engine componets in the way, but I don't remember exactly what (lines, brackets, or ???).

The front differential from what I hear.



Scott

 

[robbiesworld]

I didn't have any problem with an end wrench and the f word

 

[WDaniels]

1/2 drive socket will not fit... ... ..... a 3/8 drive universal 10mm 12 pt chrome socket will

Bob4X4,

You are right about the 1/2 inch drive. I forgot that I used a mid-depth 3/8 X 10mm 12 point socket with a extension and a 1/2 to 3/8 adapter to fit the 1/2 ratchet. Sure does suck to get old and forget stuff.

WD

 

[Missouri Mule]

I use 10mm 12pt socket with a 9 inch extension to get top bolt (definitely start with top bolt) You will need a 10 mm box for the bottom bolts.

With the socket for top bolt get near the bolt reach up and over backside and place socket on bolt.

I for the last tightening of the top bolt I use the bow end.

 

[Breed]

I has a great deal of starter problems, I changed the NAPA brand new starters three times, I contacted Larry B and I bought his Denso starter with the bigger contacts and the starter still "Clicked" several times so I contacted Larry B again and put on his add on starter relay kit (very Easy install)and the truck started has worked great now for eight months. I was in the middle of a trip so they overnighted the parts via UPS and Larry B and his staff were a real help with quality work, very professional advise and I was totally impressed and will use them if I ever have a starter problem. Larry B's was a Class act and great to work with.

 

[Bob4x4]

I has a great deal of starter problems, I changed the NAPA brand new starters three times, I contacted Larry B and I bought his Denso starter with the bigger contacts and the starter still "Clicked" several times so I contacted Larry B again and put on his add on starter relay kit (very Easy install)and the truck started has worked great now for eight months. I was in the middle of a trip so they overnighted the parts via UPS and Larry B and his staff were a real help with quality work, very professional advise and I was totally impressed and will use them if I ever have a starter problem. Larry B's was a Class act and great to work with.

The 98's had a unique wiring problem. the factory came out with a pkg to fix it for free.



Bob