PINTO CAR CLUB of AMERICA

Shiny is Good! => General Pinto Talk => Topic started by: mrlightrail on April 12, 2013, 04:24:41 PM

Title: Need proceedures in removing/replacing starter in 76 wagon w/4cyl.
Post by: mrlightrail on April 12, 2013, 04:24:41 PM
Pretty much as the subject. Need the info asap, as I've already pulled the starter, but cannot remove it from the engine bay.
Title: Re: Need proceedures in removing/replacing starter in 76 wagon w/4cyl.
Post by: 82expghost on April 12, 2013, 05:47:42 PM
Take the 2 nuts holding the rack off, let steering rack dangle, starter slips past through front over rack
Title: Re: Need proceedures in removing/replacing starter in 76 wagon w/4cyl.
Post by: D.R.Ball on April 12, 2013, 09:13:18 PM
Your steering rack has 3 bolts not two if it's a 1976 Manual rack (Do not know about power steering). #1 jack the car up (if you have not done so.) Clean the cross member on both sides  so you can find the nuts and bolts also to keep crud from you eyes (Yes I've been there and got crud in my eyes) #2 remove the steering rack nut's and bolts (Yes it's a large nut and a long cross bolt and there are three of them).#3 drop the rack( you might have to remove the cross bolt the attaches to the rag joint). And that's it. Oh it might be a good idea to change your bushings on the rack (mine where shot). Are you sure it's not the starter solenoid ? Check to make sure. Also have you checked the small wire elbow on the solenoid they fail allot, IE they do not connect to the stud on the soleniod.(I cut mine off and put a treaded wire loop connector).How good is the cable going to the starter and solenoid ? It should be changed as long as your in there...They do get old and fail. For new cable you might have to grind down the sides on the end that  goes to the starter in order to get the cable to fit..It's some times too wide.
Title: Re: Need proceedures in removing/replacing starter in 76 wagon w/4cyl.
Post by: mrlightrail on April 13, 2013, 01:01:35 AM
Issue was that the starter would freewheel after maybe two engine revs. The mechanism that pushed the gear out to engage the flywheel was dying.

Cable from solenoid to starter getting old, will need to replace, but cannot now. No car...no trips to parts house.

I heard that you could also remove the RH motor mount connection, put a block of wood underneath the oil pan, and jack the engine to get the starter out. I REALLY DO NOT want to mess with ANY part of the steering mechanism.
Title: Re: Need proceedures in removing/replacing starter in 76 wagon w/4cyl.
Post by: D.R.Ball on April 13, 2013, 12:21:23 PM
The bolts to the steering rack are easy and if you lock the steering wheel (take the key out) it will not move. Unless the lock on the steering wheel is broken....I've done the work and it's not hard just messy. You might be able to remove the RH motor mount and jack it up but be careful...Soun ds like the bendex drive is shot...Check as best you can the condition of the ring gear on the flywheel , some times they get worn...The transmission should have a dust cover to allow you to check....
Title: Re: Need proceedures in removing/replacing starter in 76 wagon w/4cyl.
Post by: mrlightrail on April 13, 2013, 12:39:16 PM
You got that right on the messy part. Already took two pieces of crud in the eye. Always falls at the moment I take my safety glasses off for a better look.
Title: Re: Need proceedures in removing/replacing starter in 76 wagon w/4cyl.
Post by: D.R.Ball on April 13, 2013, 11:45:37 PM
mrlightrail, I tried to tell  you....If you have any questions I'll try to give you the correct answers...One thing to correct is that the steering wheel will not move if it's locked but the wheels can when you disconnect the coupler. It's not a big deal if you ensure they are straight before you let the car on the ground....Agai n no big deal if they move push one side to square them up before you lower the car....If the steering coupler is not where you need it move the wheels not the steering wheel...Do not unlock the steering wheel until every thing is tight.....And nothing else should move...If you did not disconnect the coupler no problem, I had to when I removed the starter on my Pinto and every thing lined back up...No weird wear etc on the tires or steering problems....
Title: Re: Need proceedures in removing/replacing starter in 76 wagon w/4cyl.
Post by: 82expghost on April 20, 2013, 09:03:14 PM
I cant find that third bolt, I'm going crazy! Where is it? Am I missing parts?
Title: Re: Need proceedures in removing/replacing starter in 76 wagon w/4cyl.
Post by: D.R.Ball on April 20, 2013, 09:43:21 PM
Some racks only have 2 some had 3 if yours only has two the rack should be able to be moved...Unless it's still hooked up to the steering coupler ? Some say you do not have to disconnect the coupler (I have) in order to drop the rack. Note it still should be hooked up to the tie rods etc unless your replacing the rack...