So my starter quit on me and I had to take it out of my 99 f550 with the 7.3. What a nightmare that third bolt is! After much effort I managed to get the new starter in. While tightening one of the bottom bolts by hand with a ratchet, with very little force, the bolt sheared off! Perhaps it was to do with it being the old bolt, and being -9C outside. There is still a bit of stud sticking out, but what I would like to know is if I can leave the starter there with two bolts holding it. I REALLY don't want to take it back out and in again. Opinions appreciated!

 

in my opinion.. Its freezing outside.. The two should and will be sufficent enough till spring and or summer.. I had a 32v cobra and let me tell you about that starter. After much research and debaiting.. I decided that it would only get the two.. never had any issues out of it.. ON THE OTHER HAND.. you have a 7.3 diesel and that starter turns much faster and harder then mine ever did.. it should be ok for now but come warmer weather.. Remove the starter and change all the bolts and remove the broken stud..

 

That is what I was thinking. Not only is that starter a pain to get out but with snow falling on your face it is that much worse. Anyone else have thoughts? Do I run the risk of a misengagement and damaging teeth?

 

Hi, Listen I think the two will be fine for now, I don't think it will mess with the starter teeth but you should take care of it, But that happen to me on my 58 F250 starter where the old bolt shredded of and I had a bit of the stud still sticking out, and I got my small Dremmel Grinder and I Grind-ed an "+" on it like a "PHILLIPS HEAD" and I was able to get the stud to back out with my PHILLIPS BIT on my Ratchet.... Then I got a new BOLT and turned right in with no Problems. FYI....

 

This^^^or a single slot for a flat blade screwdriver..you really don't want to let an hour of misery turn into the truck having to go into the shop because you took a few teeth off the flywheel.

 

That is an awesome idea! Problem in my case is that the stud is sheared off a bit below the face of the starter itself.

 

OH, OK... well if you did have enough of the stud sticking out then it would work because it did on mine... not really sure on how you are gonna take that stud out unless you drill it out carefully and RETHREAD IT... either way it's a PICKLE LOL... WELL GOOD LUCK on however you are able to do it. MAYBE someone else has a better idea or advice, wait it out a day or so maybe someone else has a better idea.

 

YEP !!! Definitely you need to be careful or you can take out a few teeth on the flywheel That would really give you a Headache.... Literately......

 

Once I take the starter off I will have enough stud sticking out to use vise grips and turn it out, but I already torqued the other two bolts, one of which being that annoying top third bolt. Back at it i guess. Thanks for the advise guys!

 

Yeah, my third bolt on top was really hard to get on as well, OK, GOOD LUCK !!!

 

I ran 2 starter bolts on my 2002 for a couple of years. One kept backing out. It will eventually fail like that. If you can't get to the bolt to remove it, you may have to pull the transmission and remove the adapter plate to get at it. My adapter plate eventually stripped at the location that kept backing out. I ended up replacing it when I had my transmission out.