My starter (or solenoid) died last night and I was able to unbolt it, but it won't come out. I tried everything I can think but that SOB won't budge. Don't have much leverage with the exhaust pipe in the way. Any have any ideas on how to remove it, other than towing it to a shop and have them do it?

 

I forgot, I have a '97 F150 4.6L auto with 154,000 miles.

 

HI!... Did you remove ALL 3 of the starter bolts? It looks like there is only two but there is one you cannot see with your nakid eye on the very top of the starter. You have to get your rachet/socket on the top bolt by feel.

 

3rd bolt? Chilton's says there are only 2 support bolts and I'm pretty sure I molested the starter looking for anything else, but I'll give it a try tonight. hopefully I don't have to pull an allnighter on that starter again!

 

Ford CD says



Removal

WARNING:
When carrying out maintenance on the starting system, be aware that heavy gauge leads are connected directly to the battery. Make sure protective caps are in place when maintenance is complete. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

1. Disconnect the battery ground cable (14301).

2. WARNING:
The electrical power to the air suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing an air suspension vehicle. This can be accomplished by turning off the air suspension switch located in the RH kick panel area. Failure to do so may result in unexpected inflation or deflation of the air springs which may result in shifting of the vehicle during these operations.

Raise and support the vehicle; refer to «Section 100-02».

µ 3. Remove the starter motor solenoid terminal cover (11N087).

µ 4. Note:
The 4.2L engine is shown; the 4.6L and 5.4L engine, are similar.

Disconnect the starter motor electrical connections.

1 Remove the two nuts.

2 Remove the battery cable.

3 Remove the starter solenoid wire.

µ 5. Note:
The 4.2L engine is shown; the 4.6L and 5.4L engine, are similar.

Remove the nut and the starter motor ground cable.

µ 6. Note:
4.2L engine-equipped vehicles only.

Remove the starter.

1 Remove the bolt and stud bolt.

2 Remove the starter.

µ 7. Note:
4.6L and 5.4L engine-equipped vehicles only.

Remove the stud bolt, bolts and the starter.


Installation

WARNING:
When carrying out maintenance on the starting system, be aware that heavy gauge leads are connected directly to the battery. Make sure protective caps are in place when maintenance is complete. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

µ 1. Note:
4.2L engine-equipped vehicles only.

Install the starter motor.

1 Position the starter motor.

2 Install the bolt and stud bolt.

µ 2. Note:
4.6L engine-equipped vehicles only.

Replace starter motor and three bolts.

µ 3. Note:
The 4.2L engine is shown; the 4.6L and 5.4L engine, are similar.

Connect the cable and install the motor nut.

µ 4. Note:
The 4.2L engine is shown; the 4.6L and 5.4L engine, are similar.

Connect the starter motor electrical connections.

1 Position the starter solenoid wire.

2 Position the battery cable.

3 Install the nuts.

µ 5. Install the starter motor solenoid terminal cover.

6. Connect the battery ground cable.

7. Note:
If equipped with air suspension, reactivate the system by turning on the air suspension switch.

Lower the vehicle.


the two bolts it mentions is probally for the ele connections, but it is held with 3..


jim

 

Sorry guys, I do not care what Chiltons says. I gotta agree with Neal... the 4.6 engine has a 3 bolt starter.

 

This is off the subject, but is the Ford CD more helpful than the Chilton's? I assume you get it at the stealership right? How much is it? I'm going to change my starter this summer because it is not disengaging and causing it to grind.
-Thanks

 

Yep. Neal was right. It was a PITA to get to that 3rd one, but I finally got the job done. Funny thing though, the problem wasn't the starter, it was a bad connection on the ground on the battery. Oh well. It was the original starter, so it was probably gonna go eventually. Thanks for the help guys!

 

Ford cd IMO is great, u pick the problem and it will walk u through trouble shooting with voltages and problems and u answer yes or no and it goes to the next step, as for removal or install, it also give step by step and pics, got mine at ebay for 12 bucks..


jim

 

If you get a real version of the Ford CD hey are ok, If it's one of the real cheap copies, it's not worth crap. For me with no laptop or computer to take to the truck the only good the cd would do me is for a reference. Right now I have a Haynes and a Chiltions but would like a Helm's FORD series set.

 

What year you need KY, me and a guy at work bought out another dealer's books and are liquidating them on ebay. Would you believe that we had 2 - 1991 merc. capri service manuals and one sold for 152 and the other one ended at 102! People must really like the factory manuals.

 

kidtriton
I would like to have the books for the 97 F150. If the price is right I might take the 94 F150 also (my fathers) and maybe even a 96 Windstar. Let me what you have left. email is thomaswright5714@hotmail.com if ya need it.

 

ok, let me check

 

Got your email. Sent ya one back. Too bad you didn't have the other ones at those prices I would have bought all 3.
I may not need all my F150 manuals soon as I may trade trucks and have looked at smaller trucks, Toyota Tacoma in specific. But, it's always good to have the info on hand if ya need it. I want a newer lower mileage Ford (F150- 350, or Ranger) but money may not allow anytime soon.

Thanks again