99 Expedition starter erratic...
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,584
Likes: 3
From: Chesapeake, Va.
Once in the air, no more than 1/2 an hour. The biggest hurdle is the top bolt. Do a little more research on this site, there are many posts regarding this. I suggest using 1/4" ratchet and extensions, a ball type universal will also help.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,211
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a lift is not the average guy tool, but I'd say about two hours if you haven't done it before, top bolts are a pain
New User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 21
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Thanks all....
got a chuckle out of the lift not being an average guy tool....and you're right.
It pays to cultivate relationships with someone who has one, I guess.
Best bud has a compleat shop, lift, and practically every tool imaginable. If only he has the magic bolt tool, I'll have it made.
got a chuckle out of the lift not being an average guy tool....and you're right.
It pays to cultivate relationships with someone who has one, I guess.
Best bud has a compleat shop, lift, and practically every tool imaginable. If only he has the magic bolt tool, I'll have it made.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Seems to me that your starter is not getting full current when you try to start. It can be due to bad connection. I had same problem with my 2000 mustang. Starter was makin clicking/engaging noise but wasn't spinning motor. I thought of battery and starter at first but then i further check into it and found rust on battery terminal connection. Because of that starter wasn't getting full current . I cleaned the terminal and and so far so good.
You can check and do different starter system test with multimeter. i have the following multimeter and manual. Simple and easy to follow instruction. You can use any multimeter
http://www.actron.com/publish/2004/0...lish_16155.pdf
You can check and do different starter system test with multimeter. i have the following multimeter and manual. Simple and easy to follow instruction. You can use any multimeter
http://www.actron.com/publish/2004/0...lish_16155.pdf
New User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
corroded solenoid connection
I have had both happen to me. 1ST time it was a battery, second time it was connections on the selenoid/starter. In fact the wiring on the starter loosened up twice on me. If you get underneath and look at the connections you can try and wiggle them to see if they are loose. Just dont do it with anything metal as I am sure u know they can be live wires. A small piece of wood would work well.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,316
Likes: 5,127
From: 0,0,1
I fixed mine when I replaced my starter.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...n-starter.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...n-starter.html
New User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24
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Thanks for the reply and link - great description of the "fun" one can have swapping out a starter 
.
What I meant to ask was - is there a way to repair the electrical connection and/or wire without removing the starter?
In my case, with the wire held in place, it started like normal, leading me to believe the starter is OK and the problem stemmed from the broken connection. Was trying to see if I could get away without replacing the starter. Or does this sound like a starter-issue waiting to happen?
And if I DO have to remove the starter just to make the electrical repair as you did - does it then make sense to replace it altogether (since it's the original with 265K miles on it), not to mention the headaches I've read about here from many who've had similar frustrations getting to and removing it ?
I'd appreciate any and all thoughts on this - thanks.
.What I meant to ask was - is there a way to repair the electrical connection and/or wire without removing the starter?
In my case, with the wire held in place, it started like normal, leading me to believe the starter is OK and the problem stemmed from the broken connection. Was trying to see if I could get away without replacing the starter. Or does this sound like a starter-issue waiting to happen?
And if I DO have to remove the starter just to make the electrical repair as you did - does it then make sense to replace it altogether (since it's the original with 265K miles on it), not to mention the headaches I've read about here from many who've had similar frustrations getting to and removing it ?
I'd appreciate any and all thoughts on this - thanks.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,584
Likes: 3
From: Chesapeake, Va.
By saying "in the air" I meant on jack stands.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,316
Likes: 5,127
From: 0,0,1
What I meant to ask was - is there a way to repair the electrical connection and/or wire without removing the starter?
And if I DO have to remove the starter just to make the electrical repair as you did - does it then make sense to replace it altogether (since it's the original with 265K miles on it),
And if I DO have to remove the starter just to make the electrical repair as you did - does it then make sense to replace it altogether (since it's the original with 265K miles on it),
Yes again, if you do have to remove the starter I would put a new one back in. Nothing ticks me off more than doing something twice! Get one ahead of time from an online site and it will be considerably less expensive than going to a local auto parts store.
New User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24
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Noisy new starter-need to shim????
OK - made electrical repair at solenoid (fabricated a new one a la alloro's solution to broken connector - great suggestion - thx!) and decided to replace starter while there. Thanks to all suggestions here on how to access, loosen and remove all 3(!) bolts, installed replacement without "too" much trouble. BUT....
Engine started, but very noisy afterward - sounds like flywheel gears hitting starter's while engine runs. Shut down and started ignition again - same thing.
Starter fit into place very well - attached all 3 bolts finger-tight first, no forcing. Install actually went smoothly - so I don't believe it's misaligned externally. Has anyone else experienced this? Heard from someone familiar with Ford's that sometimes extra play on high mileage trucks can cause new starter teeth to remain engaged after engine starts - and that shims can help this situation. (AutoZone seems to offer something that looks like it would apply here - Help/2 pcs. starter alignment shim | Starter Shim. Universal Type | AutoZone.com_)
Anyone had to shim a replacement starter ??? Suggestions welcomed ASAP - need to get this running again. Thanks.
Engine started, but very noisy afterward - sounds like flywheel gears hitting starter's while engine runs. Shut down and started ignition again - same thing.
Starter fit into place very well - attached all 3 bolts finger-tight first, no forcing. Install actually went smoothly - so I don't believe it's misaligned externally. Has anyone else experienced this? Heard from someone familiar with Ford's that sometimes extra play on high mileage trucks can cause new starter teeth to remain engaged after engine starts - and that shims can help this situation. (AutoZone seems to offer something that looks like it would apply here - Help/2 pcs. starter alignment shim | Starter Shim. Universal Type | AutoZone.com_)
Anyone had to shim a replacement starter ??? Suggestions welcomed ASAP - need to get this running again. Thanks.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,584
Likes: 3
From: Chesapeake, Va.
| Starter Shim. Universal Type | AutoZone.com_)
Anyone had to shim a replacement starter ??? Suggestions welcomed ASAP - need to get this running again. Thanks.[/quote]
Always have to shim a Chevvy starter and have never shimmed a Ford.
I think you got a starter that might have the wrong Bendix gear on it or there might be a difference according to the engine plant your engine was built in.
Did they ask for your VIN to verify the starter was correct for your engine?
Anyone had to shim a replacement starter ??? Suggestions welcomed ASAP - need to get this running again. Thanks.[/quote]
Always have to shim a Chevvy starter and have never shimmed a Ford.
I think you got a starter that might have the wrong Bendix gear on it or there might be a difference according to the engine plant your engine was built in.
Did they ask for your VIN to verify the starter was correct for your engine?
New User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24
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| Starter Shim. Universal Type | AutoZone.com_)
Always have to shim a Chevvy starter and have never shimmed a Ford.
I think you got a starter that might have the wrong Bendix gear on it or there might be a difference according to the engine plant your engine was built in.
Did they ask for your VIN to verify the starter was correct for your engine?
Always have to shim a Chevvy starter and have never shimmed a Ford.
I think you got a starter that might have the wrong Bendix gear on it or there might be a difference according to the engine plant your engine was built in.
Did they ask for your VIN to verify the starter was correct for your engine?
New User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Thx.