changing starter on '89 v8

[zzyzx]

Hey guys,

I trying to change the started on my '89 LX V8 convertible. The bottom bolt is easy to get top, but what's the best way to get to the top bolt. There is so little clearance. It seems to me like the oxygen sensor needs to be removed because its cable is in the way.

Any tips?!

 

[NIKwoaC]

You can get at it with a couple of long extensions and a u-joint or wobble joint with a socket wrench. You snake it through all the way from the front by the radiator, and feel for it with your fingers above the starter. If you do it this way you won't have to remove anything else.

 

[Icecold]

You can get at it with a couple of long extensions and a u-joint or wobble joint with a socket wrench. You snake it through all the way from the front by the radiator, and feel for it with your fingers above the starter. If you do it this way you won't have to remove anything else.

Yes, two long extensions and a flex joint adapter are the way to go. I put my 89 on jack stands and removed the front tire for better clearance. I had a buddy help line it up on the bolt while I did the wrenching. The pain in the a$$ part was reinstalling the bolt once the new starter was in place.

 

[zzyzx]

Wow, sounds like a pain in the ass! Okay, I'll give that a shot. Any other suggestions?

 

[68stang351]

Wow, sounds like a pain in the ass! Okay, I'll give that a shot. Any other suggestions?

I honestly don't think there is any better way. If you do it like that, it's actually pretty easy. That's the best way.

I've changed fox starters in parking lots in a matter of minutes this way. Reach under, undo the bottom bolt, put extensions on and get the top one from the front of the motor, then drop it, undo the cable.

Easy as pie.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Pull the pass wheel off, let the a-arm dangle and use some extensions and swivels through the k-member rear hole.

 

[zzyzx]

Thanks for your help, guys. I found that pulling the wheel off helped a lot. Now I just have to do the easy part...putting the motor back in

 

[v8only]

all I do is a typical long extension and deep socket and just go in from top and wratchet it out. Doesn't look like it will work, but it will..

 

[ID89GT]

Like mentioned above, some extensions and wobblies and the task is actually quite easy. Just make sure you keep pressure on the socked so it stays on the bolt head. Thats probably the hardest part I would say is keeping the socket all the way on the bolt

 

[NIKwoaC]

I'm to the point now where I can have the starter in and out in a matter of minutes. Once you successfully do it once, you'll get a feel for it and realize how easy it is.