[bgt98]

Hey fellas
My starter started to hang up a bit on starting the car. Kind of a grinding sound on the flywheel is my best guess.
So anyway, i got up underneath the car to pull it off and have it repaired at work but i couldn't access all the bolts to remove it. Is a lift necessary for the removal? Im thinking my drip might have something to do with it also?? Any insights or tips would be great.

Thanks

 

[BlueStreak03]

A lift isn't required but it sure would be helpful. I did a starter swap on a 98 Cobra a couple years ago. It took a good 4 hours because we only had a set of ramps and that didn't lend much clearance at all. It would probably be best to go ahead and drop the passenger side exhaust to give yourself more room. You'll also need flex extensions in 3/8 and 1/4 drive for ratchets. Some of those bolts are a real bear, especially the top one if I remember right. Good luck with the swap....oh and make sure you disconnect both terminals on the battery before you start.

 

[bgt98]

yep, all of that is exactly what i was thinking was going to have to take place. ill have to be patient until i can get into my dads garage towards the end of the month....good thing its not a daily driver. thanks for the tips!

 

[BlueStreak03]

no sweat man, that's why we all check these boards.

 

[davisjoe68]

Best of luck with that. I am fighting the same issue, trying to pull the starter. Two bolts down and still no movement. The third, so I have heard, is just a you-know-what! I got my car up about two feet and still having a heck of a time. One source suggested that I remove the inner fender cover and use a LONG extension but heck, between the Header/Cat and the lower control arm I have no idea how that will work. I think I am going to call a Ford Dealership and try to find out how they do it on a 4.6L. If you figure it out drop me a line!

 

[markwondi]

Best of luck with that. I am fighting the same issue, trying to pull the starter. Two bolts down and still no movement. The third, so I have heard, is just a you-know-what! I got my car up about two feet and still having a heck of a time. One source suggested that I remove the inner fender cover and use a LONG extension but heck, between the Header/Cat and the lower control arm I have no idea how that will work. I think I am going to call a Ford Dealership and try to find out how they do it on a 4.6L. If you figure it out drop me a line!

You have 2 ways of removing the top (3rd) bolt. Either use 30" of extensions and come in from the front of the engine, or remove the inner fender cover and use a midget ratchet wrench. (you'll scar up your hands this way).

 

[engineer76]

Agree 100%.
From my experiance, you're better of buying 1 or 2 more extensions.