Desparate, Please Help!!! I've just been told by my mechanic that while attempting to change my starter in my '93 Ford F-150 they noticed that the bell housing was cracked and they couldn't guarantee their work until the crack was fixed. I had the starter replaced about 4 years ago and was told the bell housing was cracked then but that they took care of the problem (obviously not). Does anyone have any suggestions as to the best way to handle this problem without being taken by the mechanics? They tell me they will need to bring in a welder to fix the crack before they will put the starter in. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Nelson Pidgeon

 

I heard that before..

Try to take the truck somewhere else.

If you are not doing allot of off-roading, I would not worry about the crack... Just watch the crack. If it gets to big and the bell housing breaks you could cause a really big accident on the road..

As for welding it, they should not charge you more that $50.00, The only problem I have with welding is that welds do not always hold and sometime weaken the metal. Welding it might give you two to three more years before you have more problems with the bell housing.

If you have the money, I would replace the bell housing, but if not, put the starter in yourself.

There should only be three bolts holding in the starter.. Real easy to replace.


P.S.
I drove a 77 Vega for 4 years on dirt roads in west texas and never had a problem ( Weird ).

And when the state inspector check the car, the inspector thought it was funny how half of my bell housing was missing.. But he passed the car anyway.

 

I have to agree with Gregg. If you were told 4 years ago that it was cracked and the only reason you are now reminded of it is that a "mechanic" noticed it, I wouldn't worry about it. Change the starter yourself and just keep your eyes and ears open for another bellhousing. I wouldn't mess with trying to weld it. I've been told that you can weld cast but I've never seen it hold. Better off just replacing it when you get the chance.

Trail Rider

 

After a frustrating day looking for welders I finally just found a garage who would be willing to put in the starter for me even though they didn't think it was that safe. I saw the crack while it was on the lift and it doesn't look great, hopefully it will hold. It was a lot cheaper this way, only cost me about $155 total.

Thanks again.