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How to loosen the bottom bolt on a starter. 1994 F-150
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cecilrussell
New User
Aug 20, 2015, 5:14 AM
Post #1 of 5
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How to loosen the bottom bolt on a starter. 1994 F-150
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I have a 1994 Ford F-150 300 inline 6 cyl. The starter went out and in trying to replace it, I discovered that the bottom bolt was apparently put in with an impact driver. In trying to get the bottom bolt out, I have stripped the 6 point bolt head. Any tricks to loosen the bolt without damaging the bolt any further?
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 20, 2015, 6:23 AM
Post #2 of 5
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Re: How to loosen the bottom bolt on a starter. 1994 F-150
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Is this bolt a "thru" bolt or goes into a blind threaded hole that you know if you can see that?
Either - PB wont hurt and could really help. If you can get that threads of that bolt it may take some time - 24 hours even or less?
Impact driver tightened you probably don't know and it's just stuck or hex might be a bit rusty or was now.
Assorted ways up to assorted tools as needed. If you have a straight shot at it while lubed as said try if another socket if possible or wrench if only access of a smaller size is close. Use a close metric if it works. If there's enough left of hex at all but seems close many you can hammer on the socket or wrench VERY snugly now.
For socket air wrench is less likely to make it worse set to a lower power than would break the bolt - tough guess. The shock of air can work tons better than just brute torque by hand. If no air or not possible a breaker bar and line up to strike it with a rubber hammer this time somewhat duplicates the shock force of air. Can use the rubber hammer with a wrench as well.
Try a tad toward tighten also and back to loosen till with luck it moves at all then you should get it. Might waste a socket or wrench or break one. Get another.
If just too dang rounded then some tricks or special tools that grab progressively more when turned are for this type thing. Not all will fit so have to look at the area you are working and find the tool selection and choose one that would likely work.
Not breaking that bolt will save tons of troubles so take your time.
Replace bolt with one marked for strength not the plain ones you might find. Yes, bolts are marked with how hard and strong they are even if you can't read or see lines or a # check another. Lube new and others with something so it can't happen again.
If totally no luck and not broken really consider sending it out to a well equipped shop. Most deal with this PITA a lot and have the tools or tricks ready and know how best not to bust the bolt or worst case be able to extract it if it does,
T
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 20, 2015, 12:13 PM
Post #3 of 5
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Re: How to loosen the bottom bolt on a starter. 1994 F-150
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This could be a disaster if the bolt threads are crossed up. You could try grinding the head of the bolt off, then remove the starter. Maybe get a pair of vise grips on it to see if you can spin it out once the starter is out of the way. If the threads are crossed, you'll probably end up having to remove the transmission and putting the bell housing on an end mill. Don't use an easy out on a crossed up bolt cause you'll probably end up breaking it off in there.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Aug 20, 2015, 12:14 PM)
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cecilrussell
New User
Aug 20, 2015, 7:28 PM
Post #4 of 5
(1492 views)
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Re: How to loosen the bottom bolt on a starter. 1994 F-150
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Tried a hammer drill set on hammer, no luck only stripped hex head more. Tried to get some 3 in 1 oil around it, not sure if any took. Am going to buy an 3/8 impact driver tomorrow and some hardened steel drill bits. Guess I'll have to go that route. Can't get a straight shot at it because muffler and heat shield in the way. I have 3 feet of 1/4 extensions and about 14 " of 3/8s extensions including swivel extensions in both sizes. On using ez-outs. I've heard pros and cons. Do they actually work? I had though to pre-drill the center and impact drive a steel cutting screw with JB weld. Not sure if that will work though.
Next question. When I put the new starter on, I had intended to put a heavy rubber washers on it, would that cause problems in securing the starter?
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 20, 2015, 7:58 PM
Post #5 of 5
(1490 views)
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Re: How to loosen the bottom bolt on a starter. 1994 F-150
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Watch this machinist's video. He pretty much tells the truth about Easy outs... <skip to 2:20>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-npwLSJz7o
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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