question on starter removal.99 sport 4.0 SOHC

[biggiesize]

He guys,I did a search for this particular issue and didnt find anything.I have both starter bolts out.I have the front driveshaft out of the way but there is no way possible that I see to get the starter past the front diff.Do I need to remove the differential to get the starter out?Can i remove the nut on the end of the diff and get enough clearance?Kind of at a loss other than removing the front diff.

 

[poker4me007]

I've never had to replace mine yet,but I've done some reading on it. How much space are you lacking? If it's not much, lifting the motor a 1/4 inch may get it out.I wouldn't go crazy on it though. Here's a post on it.Good Luck.
Starter Replacment 2000 Explorer 4 L OHV

 

[fast_dave]

I have an OHV/4wd.

When my 1st/Factory starter went bad , I crawled under my Ex and I thought just like you - "this is impossible"...

So, I searched on YouTube, and I found a video that proved to me that the starter could be removed without removing anything but the wiring & cable to the solenoid. I brought my laptop out in the garage and reviewed the video a few times ;-) I was blown away when it worked and the starter was out! Seriously - I celebrated with a beer and had a smile a mile wide.

Wish I kept the link to the video - I'll look tonite and update this thread - but it is possible - the video is out there and I can attest to it that it can be done (on an OHV). And like I said - I was sure the FORD engineers built the Ex around the starter motor....

It just requires tipping it end up the back end and then twisting it out is a spiral motion...

 

[biggiesize]

Thanks for the replies.I have seen the video alao and It appears that they are removing feom an OHV 4.0 where I have the SOHC 4.0.Im almost positive that the clearance is tighter on the sohc.Gonne give it another shot tomorrow and see if it will work with pulling the rear of the starter out first.

 

[fast_dave]

Here you go - rather than give you the OHV video - I found this one for a 2003 Explorer w/ 4.0 SOHC & 4wd. El Duderino gets it out w/o disconnecting anything in the front drive line.

Link:

Also - here's a few tips I just thought about.

First - Get your EX waaaayyyy up in the air. The more space you have below the better for this repair. It'll help keep you sane. Seriously.... You want to be able to lay back and have at least a good foot of viewing area to take in your "battlefield". You'll have a much better perspective on what you need to do. I had 4X4 blocks of wood under my jack stands, which in turn were fully extended. It really helped...

Before jacking your Ex up in the air, for removing and replacing the TOP starter motor mounting bolt; remove the drivers side wheel, and go in through the wheel well. Waaaayyyy easier than trying to work your way around the body of the starter motor from below...

Bottom Line - Once you get the two mounting bolts removed, and the solenoid wire and battery cable disconnected, let that starter motor be like a friggin' gymnast and try to remove it at all sorts of angles while twisting it. Once it comes out, and you're done celebrating, all of a sudden you'll be stressed out thinking "how the heck am I going to get it back in there". It's all about the angle of attack and the twisting motion...

 

[biggiesize]

Got it done.Thanks for the videos.I turned it around backwards and it slid by the front diff like it had butter on it.I would have never guessed there was enough room,but It worked perfect.Thanks again

 

[poker4me007]

Good Job!
I got this post bookmarked.

 

[danno2944]

Was there any signs/symptoms that you experienced prior to the starter failing.

 

[biggiesize]

Was there any signs/symptoms that you experienced prior to the starter failing.

It did give me about a months notice that it was going out.At times,when I would crank it the starter would hang and not release,so it would keep turning the engine even after it would crank.I think it was more of the solenoid sticking than the starter itself.

 

[danno2944]

Thanks for the info!

 

[fast_dave]

Got it done.Thanks for the videos.I turned it around backwards and it slid by the front diff like it had butter on it.I would have never guessed there was enough room,but It worked perfect.Thanks again

No problem - glad I could help - feels like you crossed the Rubicon after getting it out!