Restoring a 78 Pinto need to replace or rebuild the starter are there any tricks to removing the starter the clearance looks very tight. starter is original but is locked-up. Not sure weather to rebuild or replace? Can't really complain after car set for 20 yrs in a field.
:welcome: zolorg,
On the 78 Pinto, drop the rack and pinion a bit by removing the 2-3 BIG bolts from the rac-pinion slide the bolts back a bit and the rac will lower to allow access room for the starter to be removed.
This does not hurt the alignment as the rack will just re-bolt in the same position.
DO NOT REMOVE THE TIE-RODS...
\From Pintony
What Pintony said works. But before I knew that tip, I removed the motor mount bolt and jacked the motor up a little on the starter side, This helps greatly to get the starter out.
Thanks for the tips, that makes it easier than just guessing what the the best method of removal is.
Quote from: WagonNut on September 23, 2007, 05:53:35 PM
What Pintony said works. But before I knew that tip, I removed the motor mount bolt and jacked the motor up a little on the starter side, This helps greatly to get the starter out.
I did the same exact thing!!!!
Quote from: WagonNut on September 23, 2007, 05:53:35 PM
What Pintony said works. But before I knew that tip, I removed the motor mount bolt and jacked the motor up a little on the starter side, This helps greatly to get the starter out.
Jacking the engine is the easyer way on the early Pinto...
IF U do not know the "TRICK"... of turning the starter backwards B4 removal.
From Pintony
Pulled the steering rack worked great.
Let me just add a little tip here if I may....I personally never trust the amount of lubrication that is put into a remanufactured or rebuilt starter. When I bring home a starter from the parts store I take it apart and do two things or maybe three. First I see to it that the bearings have enough grease in them to squish out just a little bit when assembled. I also make sure the bendix helical spline is well greased. Then when the body is back together I check that the engagement contact will not make till the bendix it just 1/8 of an inch from being fully extended. Then I make sure that the gaskets are placed just right as so water won't get into the starter.
High_Horse
Quote from: WagonNut on September 23, 2007, 05:53:35 PM
What Pintony said works. But before I knew that tip, I removed the motor mount bolt and jacked the motor up a little on the starter side, This helps greatly to get the starter out.
That is what i do every time.
Thanks for the tip, actually replaced with a starter with a factory original from, a mustang II my father-in-law had pulled from a parts car that he had. We did check the lubrication, and brushes all were amazingly good, hardest part as keeping the starter still to get the bolts started.
I have the same problem. My hands shake too, in anticipation of getting the job done right and taking that baby for a spin. Ya!!!
High_Horse
Quote from: Pintony on September 24, 2007, 02:42:49 AM
Jacking the engine is the easyer way on the early Pinto...
IF U do not know the "TRICK"... of turning the starter backwards B4 removal.
From Pintony
it looks like the starter is coming out of my 75. So i gather from this the best way is to take out the motor mount bolt and jack up the motor? I won't have any exhaust in the way so does all this still matter or am I dommed???
jim
Hello Jim,
If your head pipe is off the starter removal should go easy...
From Pintony
I will let you know. As of know I have the car up on jackstands but it is raining and since I have to work in a real air condition garage It is on hold until the weather breaks.....
jim
All right :lol: I removed the header and unbolted the starter and it slipped right out. No issues. I think it was removing the header, sure beats messing with the steering....
jim