FE starter replacement

[FLATBEDFORD]

I did mine today. How come I've never read here about what M#%&#r F%*#@!r that top bolt is? It took forever to loosen it with only enough room for about 1/4 turn and no clearance for a socket or ratcheting combo wrench. At least it starts when i want it to now. I hope that starter lasts forever.

[rjewkes]

yeah i i was able to get a bendy kneck ratchet in my old 360 on the old ranger xlt i used to have. that and 1 long and two short extensions. maybe only needed one of each though.

nice to have it staring right up though

had a bad coil,points and seleniod on my sport custom now it starts right up like it did when i first bought it.

[rubiranch]

Did you put all the bolts back in?

[oldschoolrods]

I use a giant extention from the front of the truck and have been able to get the bolt pretty easy that way.

[67mann]

That would explain why mine laid on the top of the starter---when I tore my truck down No Idea when it was changed or worked on
must be the grease and the grime held it there all this time

[FLATBEDFORD]

I use a giant extention from the front of the truck and have been able to get the bolt pretty easy that way.

Did you mean long enough that you were turning the wrench near the radiator?

[FLATBEDFORD]

I see. I hope this starter lasts another 38 years.

[convincor]

I use a giant extention from the front of the truck and have been able to get the bolt pretty easy that way.

Did you mean long enough that you were turning the wrench near the radiator?

I do the same. Get that one out before loosening the others.
Going back in, get the others first that one last.
I use a combination of extentions like a 12", 6", and or 3" to get me where it's easy to turn the ratchet.
Used to do the same on my 68 mustang with 302 and headers..

[thorn1968]

I use a giant extention from the front of the truck and have been able to get the bolt pretty easy that way.

Did you mean long enough that you were turning the wrench near the radiator?

Exactly...long enough to clear all the grease and grime, and not so long that it hits the radiator support. The wobbly ends on the extensions are great! I got a set at @utozone.

On the lower 2 bolts I had my extensions sticking out past the bottom of the front bumper...made it really easy to turn!

[FLATBEDFORD]

I use a giant extention from the front of the truck and have been able to get the bolt pretty easy that way.

Did you mean long enough that you were turning the wrench near the radiator?

Exactly...long enough to clear all the grease and grime, and not so long that it hits the radiator support. The wobbly ends on the extensions are great! I got a set at @utozone.

On the lower 2 bolts I had my extensions sticking out past the bottom of the front bumper...made it really easy to turn!

That's awesome!! I must have more extensions, and wobbly ones too!

[FLATBEDFORD]

It didn't last another 38 years, but I did get a free replacement. I used the long extension method and had it changed out in no time after work today. Thanks all for the help.

[SteveC]

my starter was missing that top bolt when i took it out originally but yes long extensiions work wonders

[FORDification]

I was gonna mention something about my wobbly extension, and how I haven't had a chance to use it much lately, but figured you all would take it out of context, so....

[SteveC]

i just will keep my mouth shut on that one

[DuckRyder]

I just sit behind the tire and get it through the fender well.

Of course it is all clean and probably easier with a mini starter...