Hi,
I'm not very familiar with car or truck repairs, but I'm hoping I can replace the starter. So far I've removed the bottom nut and when the weather warms up a bit, I'll try and tackle the rest.

I think I can see a second nut holding the starter in place, but I won't know for sure until I remove the front passenger tire, as access to that location is very difficult. Also, it looks like there's a second part attached to the starter which I believe to be the "starter solenoid".

So, I guess my questions are:

1) Is there only two nuts holding the starter in place?

2) I read another post suggesting the "starter solenoid" is the thing on top of the starter. Will it get removed when the starter is removed?

3) The same post I read suggested changing the "starter solenoid" and the starter brushes instead of replacing the entire starter. Does this make sense or will this be more difficult in the long run?

4) How do I know if the "starter solenoid" is faulty?

5) Is there anything else I need to watch for or consider when removing the starter?

6) Is there anything else I need to watch for or consider when installing the new starter?

Any help or advice you can offer is very much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

I've never had to change starter on my truck so, I am not an expert on this, although I have changed many starters in my years.

There are three fasteners that you will have to remove to get the starter out. One is up on the top of the starter and will likely require extensions and/or a swivel to access it. The starter solenoid is attached to the starter and will come out with it. Good luck!

Yuo can take the starter once removed to an auto parts store. Most will have a way of testing yours to verify that it needs replacing. BTW, what is the problem that you are having with it? Also, what are the details of your truck? Year, model, engine, trans, and drive?

 

Hi KingRanchMan02,

Thanks for the reply.

You are correct about the fasteners. However, I've only been able to remove one as the other two are seized with rust. I've tried spraying them with WD-40, but that didn't seem to help. I'm thinking of throwing the towel in.

Can you or someone suggest some sort of wrench that will get into that tight area and provide leverage? Also, none of the sockets I tried seem to fit; 1/2 inch or 12mm were the closest; maybe it's the rust causing problems.

Anyways, the info you provided is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks again.

BTW, it's a 99 F150, 4.2 litre (I think), auto, 4x2. I turn the key and all I hear is a click. I've tried boosting it with our car, but still the same "click" sound.

 

V-6 or V-8? Have you checked the voltage level at the starter? There is a heavy red wire that comes from the battery, it should have a good 12 volts. If not, then go the battery and check the voltage level there. Battery post to post, then clamp to clamp. Should be 12 volts any way that you check it. If not, find where the bad connection is. Good luck!

 

i have a '97 f150 and just did my starter a couple of months back. There were 3 nuts. taking the passenger tire off makes it lot easier. That 3rd one was "interesting" getting at, but a combination of swivels and sorted extensions worked ok.

If you put on a new starter, be careful of overtightening the nuts on replacement if they have "copper" lugs. The copper is prone to twisting right off and then your into another replacement. copper is soft!

cheers