Its been along time since I have done one. But the bolts are either 13mm or 15mm I think take some wrenches and sockets with extensions and a swivel and you should be able to get it out. Then just take to a parts store and they can check it for you. They might even be 14mm just take a bunch of wrenches and sockets with ya lol

 

when you go to get your truck if it wont start have some one tap the starter.

If it is a 2WD and your get it running drive the front tires on blocks or ramps, this will give you needed room to move around.

As for replacement it is easy, 1st disconnect the (-) negative terminal on both batteries.

get under the truck, use an 8mm to the ignition wire (small wire) and a 17mm to undo the battery wire, you may find it easier to do this after you drop the starter. You said sparks, the Battery wire may be loose if so tighten it up and run it if it starts.

the starter bolts should be 15mm (not sure), I like to start with the top bolt. You will need a 9" (or 6"+3" or less if have a deep well socket) extension for this one, you need to slide the socket and extension between the stater bendex (solenoid) to get to this bolt the other 2 are easy to get with a gear wrench or socket.

when installing the starter make sure you tighten the bolts, I have seen many 7.3 PS starters loose and a few fall out.

 

We tapped on the starter today. No luck. Its the smaller red wire that is sparking. I got under there and watched as the ignition was turned. Going to go out Thanksgiving morning and remove the starter. Might just be the engagement piston"bendix?"??

I dont know, but this whole situation sucks.

 

well at least your not in Canada on the side of the road, in January

I did that once, with a '89 F450 460 gasser

 

Allllllrighty! Happy Thanks giving to you folks!

I got out there and got dirty. All that was required was as mentioned above, 9" of socket extension, 17mm socket, 15mm socket, 8mm nut driver, gloves, and a 3/8" ratchet. Thats it! Found the problem too. The smaller red wire coming down from the relay and going to the 8mm nut post on the solenoid had become cracked right at the solder joint to the terminal. It was just arcing out. In the process of removing the wires from the back of the solenoid, I broke a copper post short, so went ahead and bought a new solenoid. Starter tests out just fine. Everything is ready to reinstall tomorrow. Going to have to do a field repair of the small red wire starter end terminal. I might just replace the whole thing with something heavier, and more flexible. Whole problem boils down to about 30 cents worth of wire terminal and heat shrink tubing!!! Will have taken 3 days waiting and figuring, a couple hours labor, and about 45 bucks total.

 

I forgot to mention gloves,

good to here you got it figured out.

 

dont forget to disconnect the batts

 

Got er done. My baby is back home. She was out for nearly 4 days.

 

good deal glad shes home.
they get lonely out there in the cold lol

 

When you do finally replace the starter get an SD series starter as they spin
way faster than the OBS one. Also only two bolts to hold it on.
jrc

 

by "SD" you mean 99-03 superduty? I have only seen the 2 bolt style in 02-03 7.3

Yes they spin faster, I like them better. they are also cheaper, I but one a few months ago for $95 @ Pepboys and there was no core charge.

 

Why only 2 bolts? isn't 3 better?

Cant complain about the way it starts now. Very fast turnover, and firing.