I've got a 99 3500 that the starter has decided to only work part time. Figuring it was the starter contacts, but wanting to be sure, I tried to remove the starter toady. I was unable to break loose the lower 2 12-pt bolts since all I had was a small 12pt wrench. Even if I had, I'm not sure I would have been able to get to the top bolt, or the wire connection on the top of the solenoid.

Is there a trick to get to those bolts? I can't quite reach that far from above, and can't seem to reach around the starter from the bottom.

I did manage to remove the cover on the solenoid to confirm that the contacts do need to be replaced, so I guess it wasn't a total loss.

Thanks,
Mike

 

I use a 12pt socket on my 3/8 drive ratchet with a medium length extension. I just used the "Ray Charles" method and felt over the top of the starter and got the socket on then reefed like a mad man with a short piece of pipe on the handle to break it loose. My stock starter was a 'bear' to get off due to those tight bolts. The rest is easy after the initial breaking of the torque.

 

Yep, and I bought a cheap 10 MM 12 point wrench, cut the open end off of it and made a extension to extend it about a foot for the lower 2 bolts. Made getting them off at least much less frustrating. Top bolt a long 3/8" extension and carefully twisting it knowing when it broke loose you were A) going to swear you broke something, and B) figuring you were gonna get a busted knuckle from hitting something with your hand.......

 

Place a folded towel on the front bumper to kneel on.

Place another over the air intake and lay on it to reach down to the top bolt with a 10mm and crank away....

Remove the easy to reach bottom one last and undo the wires.

 

I used jack and piece of 2x4 to push on wrench, they were that tight.

 

Thanks for all the replies, guys. I plan on tackling this project as soon as my contacts and plunger show up from LarryB's.

I did just realize I may have done something stupid after reading a how-to on completely rebuilding the starter. As I said, I pulled the cover off the solenoid to inspect the contacts and also removed the plunger. The little spring came with it. I didn't realize there was a little ball bearing in there as well. I'm a little paranoid that it may have rolled out when I wasn't looking. I don't remember anything falling out, but there is a slight chance it could have happened.

What would be the symptoms of that ball bearing being lost? Would the truck even start? ( it started fine, by the way)

 

It probably stayed in there.

The new contacts will really help. You will be surprised how quick it fires up.

 

i think i got mine off with a 24" breaker bar. needed it for the tires initally, its since paid for its self numerous times.

 

Ain't they great? They should come with one behind the seat from the factory.

I'm on the hunt for a 36" one next....

 

ive seen them at greggs. ive never needed more then a 24 and a can of wd40. after that your breakin bolts n sockets
have a look at the 3/4 drive sockets, the breaker bars for them are huge.

 

same here jack and 2x4