third bolt on the starter
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New User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9
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third bolt on the starter
1986 f250 6.9 2 wheel drive auto
Trying to replace my starter, but i can't seem to get to the third bolt, any suggestions, I don't have a lift or ramps and thought I could just crawl under and take care of it. so far no go.
thanks
Trying to replace my starter, but i can't seem to get to the third bolt, any suggestions, I don't have a lift or ramps and thought I could just crawl under and take care of it. so far no go.
thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
CoachZ,
Welcome to FTE and the IDI diesel forum.
I used a short box end wrench to get mine out on the original starter.
A real PIA to get it out because you can not see the bolt, you also can not feel it when you have a wrench in hand.
It can be of some help to leave the lower two bolts in place till you get the top one out, that way once you get it loose you can usually take it out with your fingers without having to hold the starter up.
Mine is also a 4x4 so it sits higher, you may need to raise the front some to get room to work. It is hard enough already, being cramped up makes it that much worse.
Welcome to FTE and the IDI diesel forum.
I used a short box end wrench to get mine out on the original starter.
A real PIA to get it out because you can not see the bolt, you also can not feel it when you have a wrench in hand.
It can be of some help to leave the lower two bolts in place till you get the top one out, that way once you get it loose you can usually take it out with your fingers without having to hold the starter up.
Mine is also a 4x4 so it sits higher, you may need to raise the front some to get room to work. It is hard enough already, being cramped up makes it that much worse.
Last edited by Dave Sponaugle; Oct 29, 2006 at 03:31 PM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 0
From: Powell River B.C.
1/4 drive swivel socket works fine on an extension. They are expensive to buy, but if you need them nothing works like them. Snap on (very expensive); also made by SK tools if you can find someone who handles them.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
I use a 20" 3/8 drive extension attached to a 12" extension with a swivel socket and go in from the front of the crossmember. Disconnect the batteries before you do, I'm sure you already have, though.
Good luck,
Mike
Good luck,
Mike
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Unless the original starter on my truck was different from all the others, there is no way to get a socket on the top bolt on the original starter.
I have never seen a replacement that looked like it, the one I have right now is almost straight and a socket is simple to use on it.
A wrench, real short at that was the only way to get it out. You had to be able to turn it inside the frame while it was on the bolt.
I have never seen a replacement that looked like it, the one I have right now is almost straight and a socket is simple to use on it.
A wrench, real short at that was the only way to get it out. You had to be able to turn it inside the frame while it was on the bolt.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 588
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Maybe I swore 
at more than you did Dave...both my 86 & 84, I could get a socket with an extenion on it with my new fangled rachet.
at more than you did Dave...both my 86 & 84, I could get a socket with an extenion on it with my new fangled rachet.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
I have seen a tool that could possibly get to it, but I don't think it had enough leverage to loosen the bolt.
Basicly it had a T handle on the end and was a 90 degree socket driver.
I have a deal something like that for my screw gun so I can drive screws in places that would normally be hand driven with a stubby screw driver.
Basicly it had a T handle on the end and was a 90 degree socket driver.
I have a deal something like that for my screw gun so I can drive screws in places that would normally be hand driven with a stubby screw driver.
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Joined: Jul 2006
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When I replaced my starter last year, the new one was different than the old one. To get the old one out, a 3/8 drive socket and extension worked great. On the new one, the starter housing was too close to the bolt hole, so I had to use the combined forces of stubby and half moon wrenches to tighten the top bolt. No fun at all!!
The new starter was aftermarket, and apparently spins faster than the OEM one. I couldn't say for sure - the old one barely turned at all:-). Bought it on eBay, but that was a year ago, so I don't remember how much I paid for it or what the brand is. I could find out if anyone wants to know.
The new starter was aftermarket, and apparently spins faster than the OEM one. I couldn't say for sure - the old one barely turned at all:-). Bought it on eBay, but that was a year ago, so I don't remember how much I paid for it or what the brand is. I could find out if anyone wants to know.