Starter???

[Fastbackin1970]

Any tricks to changing the starter on my F100's 302V8. It's a 3 speed manual transmission. Other then the fact it's buried behind the headers it looks pretty easy.

[fordman]

ive never dealt with headers. but i have heard where most headers have had to come off before the starter would come out.

[Fastbackin1970]

Ugh I hope not!

[m-mman]

Besides whatever access problems might exist from the headers, R&R a starter is incredably easy!

One nut holds the cable to the starter. Which is NOT hot because unlike a GM design, battery voltage goes to the solenoid on the fender, not the starter.

Two bolts hold a 302 starter.
Use a socket, ratchet and extension that places the ratchet just past the end of the starter.

Remove the top bolt first because as soon as both are removed, the starter falls. If you leave the bottom bolt, it is easier to support the starter with one hand and remove the last bolt with the other.

Replacement?
Start the bottom bolt first (dont tighten it completely) then stick the top bolt into the socket/extension (no ratchet) and use it to guide & thread the top bolt into place.

A fun relaxing job actually.

Remember to remove and clean your battery cables too as part of the job so that you are 1000% sure your new starter is getting all the amps desires.

[ximy]

the header might have to be loosened and pulled aside. like above poster sAYS..take your time and relax doing it.. don't rush.

[Fastbackin1970]

I just went out and looked at the starter again. I think the headers are going to have to come off. Once I get under the truck tonight with the creeper I can get a better idea.

[fordman]

disconnect the battery anyway.

[Fastbackin1970]

Starter changed, took about 2 1/2 hours. Had to drop the headers on the passenger side to get to the it. Also removed the right front tire it helped a lot also. Truck turns over a lot faster now not sure why. As close as the headers are to the starter I wonder if that had something to do with the failure?

[fordman]

yes the headers will burn up the starter. you need to wrap the starter or make a shield for it.

[jzjames]

Save your warranty for the starter, if you got it from Autozone/Schucks, etc. they will replace it when it goes bad. They dont know if the vehicle has headers or not, and dont care.
As for the headers, mine just had to be loosened, and not taken all the way off. Seems the headers had allen head bolts if I recall. I got pretty quick at loosening the header to remove the starter.

[englertstephen]

I used to work at autozone. Don't know, Don't care

[Fastbackin1970]

I spent the extra $10.00 at O'Reilly to get the lifetime starter for that very reason. What can you wrap the starter in?