Notices
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Dentsides Ford Truck
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

Starter Problem Engine Removal?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 16, 2012 | 06:48 PM
  #1  
78f350460's Avatar
78f350460
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Starter Problem Engine Removal?

Hey guys this is my first post, I have a 1978 f350 supercab automatic 2wd with a 460. I have been having some issues with it starting. Sometimes it will start just fine other times it will just click or turn very slow. I have read alot about the problems with the older style starters and decided to pull mine to replace with the 92-97 style starter. While doing this I found that a large chunk of the alluminum nose cone on the starter had broke off and I could see it in the bell housing. I carefully tried to get it out from the starter hole but it fell behind the torque converter and flex plate. I am also a chevy guy please forgive me, But on my 75 k20 there is a cover that can removed to get to the torque converter bolts and the bottom side of the flexplate. On my f350 there doesn't seem to be a way to get in behind there, looks like a motor plate is bolted between the engine and trans. So what are my options pulling the motor to get to this piece? I am not opposed because I need to replace a freeze plug and the rear main is leaking, but wanted to make sure there wasn't an easier way before I pulled the motor or if anyone else has had this happen. Thanks
 
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2012 | 07:13 PM
  #2  
dlburch's Avatar
dlburch
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,313
Likes: 367
From: Kansas
there is a small cover plate at the bottom, held on by 2 bolts...probably covered by an accumulation of grease.
 
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2012 | 07:38 PM
  #3  
78f350460's Avatar
78f350460
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
yea I saw that one in the front of the flex plate but there is no room to get anything out. The flex plate comes all the way down to the bottom of the cover.
 
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2012 | 07:49 AM
  #4  
78f350460's Avatar
78f350460
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Ok well I guess I'm just gonna pull the motor because I don't want this piece messing up the torque converter and I need to do a few other things while its out. One thing I'm having trouble understanding is when putting the motor back in if there is no way to put the torque converter on the tranny first the boot it to the flex plate because of lack of access how do you make sure the converter is fully seated on the trans? Everything else seems pretty straight forward except those exhaust collector bolts look like fun. Thanks.
 
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2012 | 07:57 AM
  #5  
fellro86's Avatar
fellro86
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
With the little cover off, you may be able to get a wire down through the starter hole and fish it out, just make a hook large enough to get all the way around it and try to work it out of there, rather than going through all the work of splitting the motor and trans. By having the lower cover off, you might be able to see what is going on somewhat.
 
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2012 | 08:42 AM
  #6  
78f350460's Avatar
78f350460
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Ok I will try that thank you, also gives me the idea of putting the shop vac hose down in there see if I can sucked it out. Just out of curiosity though how do you reseated the torque convertor when reinstalling the engine with this type of cover set up?
 
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2012 | 09:02 AM
  #7  
fellro86's Avatar
fellro86
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
The converter better be seated int he trans before bringing them together no matter the style or you will damage the pump. I always find it best to have the converter int he trans, makes it much easier to line things up. You have to make sure the studs on the converter are lined up with the holes in the flexplate when putting the motor in, then there is the fact that the studs are not equidistant, so there is only one way they pass through the flexplate.
 
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2012 | 09:29 AM
  #8  
78f350460's Avatar
78f350460
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
But how do you tighten down the bolts for the torque convertor then through the starter hole?
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Sep 17, 2012 | 09:48 AM
  #9  
jim collins's Avatar
jim collins
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by 78f350460
But how do you tighten down the bolts for the torque convertor then through the starter hole?
Through the cover plate opening , then bolt it on.
 
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2012 | 10:06 AM
  #10  
78f350460's Avatar
78f350460
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Ok got it thanks guys
 
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2012 | 06:01 PM
  #11  
smokenchoken's Avatar
smokenchoken
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 1
From: peru kansas
i agree use a small piece of wire or a metal clothes hanger and fish it out its not that big of a deal don't pull motor if you don't have too
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
maximuse34
Excursion - King of SUVs
3
Jul 17, 2016 07:43 PM
Nothing Special
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Sep 19, 2014 11:55 AM
someday
General Automotive Discussion
7
Nov 7, 2008 07:42 AM
carlsson
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
4
Oct 6, 2008 05:08 PM
RichMan
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
4
Jun 10, 2002 08:12 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:23 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE