Starters

[major]

I need a new starter ASAP. Currently my explorer is waiting up at my work and will not run. I called O'Riley auto parts and was told they had an Ultima in stock and called auto zone and they had a Duralast remanufactured in stock. Those were the only two i could track down as far as being in stock.

Are either of those starters any good or should i get a tow back to my apt. and order a ford from say NAPA?

Just to verify since the auto parts store sold me a fender mount solenoid and i didnt know any better, The 98 v8 explorer only has the solenoid mounted to the starter right? Thats all i can find after a a good while of searching. Looking at the sticky im refering to the "new" style starter not the old one with the seperate solenoid which is what i have. Also there is not other way to start the car so i could just drive it here is there? I thought i remembered seeing how you could jump some connections and start the car with the fender mount version.

Thanks and let me know what you can if you know of other options.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Does it make a click without doing anything else? Is it turning over or just spinning? Check this thread for more information: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180725

 

[major]

I read through that thread but didnt check with the volt meter. I am assuming the starter/solenoid is bad because when i try to start the car all that happens is the relay in the engine compartment fuse box clicks. I checked my battery and its at 12.5 volts. Also all the other accessories work but then again they dont draw much power compared to the starter. With that said i dont even hear it try to run like you would on a dying battery.

I thought that since it may be a solenoid or starter motor issue then it would be easiest just to replace it. If nothing else it would prevent that from having issues next. Ive had the explorer since the end of 97 and havent changed the starter yet. I just wish it was a little easier to get to. If i get the part thats in stock ill be changing it in the plant parking lot so its a less than perfect place to work on a car.

 

[BrooklynBay]

It's not such a tough job if you could get a floor jack underneath it, and put the front wheels up on ramps.

 

[major]

Well i got the explorer back the other day and now its back at the apt where i can work on it. I was able to tap on the starter some and it started up. Needless to say i know its the starter now. So the next course of action was to order a new starter from NAPA so thats done and they should have it in tomorrow.

While i was in the ordering mood I ordered some new front fender aprons from Ford. Mine have been toast for a while now and even though it makes working on the car easier i needed a new set.

The part #'s for the (Shield) front fender apron splash (as they call it) are:

Passenger: F57Z16102AD
Driver: F57Z16103AD

So now to the next part. I was going to replace the bolts holding the starter into place since they were starting to get a rounded edge from trying different sockets. Does anyone know the specs on those so i can get some replacemets at NAPA while im there? The head on the bolts are in fact 13mm and there are only two right?

For the fun question of removal do any of you have any lessons learned for removing the bolts? Ive had the bottom one loose but not the top one. Its harder to get to. I am planning on buying a set of the blitz rhino ramps to help out as the as BrooklynBay suggested. They will also give me the extra incentive to start changing my own oil as well.

Let me know what you can and if the temp stays somewhat warm enough ill try to post a how to with pictures.

Thanks for the help so far.