Ford 4600 starter

[demak2375]

How do I remove the bolt between the starter and the engine block

 

[Fordfarmer]

How do I remove the bolt between the starter and the engine block

It's not easy.
I use a ratchet and socket with 2 extensions. A wobble extension can be helpful. I take that back one out first, so the weight of the starter doesn't make it bind.

 

[Sean in PA]

What Fordfarmer said. Also, if it's a diesel and has the dual fuel filter, you might need to move the filter assembly out of the way.

 

[TractorTech]

Also. 3/8" drive rather than 1/2" works better.

 

[demak2375]

Thanks so much guys. Single is fuel filter off. 3/8 drive. I'm having a hard time finding the right combination of extensions. I thought I'd pick up another 3/8 sock3t set but holy moley have they gotten expensive!

I really appreciate you all stepping up to help me.

 

[Sean in PA]

I use a long (4" to 6" I would have to run out to the garage and measure for the exact length) extension and a short (2") extension with a u-joint between them, effectively making a "wobble extension" as Fordfarmer calls it. I have 4 complete 3/8" socket sets, and the leftover parts from a half a dozen others that have had the ratchet stop working or other parts lost over the years.

 

[sotxbill]

I use a wobble joint with painters tape around it to make it simi rigid,, and a short and shorter extensions and a 3/8 ratchet... As some have said,, on the 3 cyl, the injector pump is very very close, and sometimes the fuel filters may have to be unattached and raise up (if plastic lines) or removed it not... Occasionally I have to shamefully admit that a couple of the starters did not get that bolt put BACK in. I can remember two times out of probably 20...I absolutely could not get the bolt to thread..... Go drink an iced tea.. come back, work, go get another ice tea.... oops that bolt just got lost. 4 cyls are somewhat easier both ways.

 

[demak2375]

It's done! Thank you all for the tips. I ended up removing the fuel filter and the solenoid. I've done this repair before without having to remove anything but at 73 my hands aren't as steady anymore.

I do have a trick for putting that bolt back in. Put the tip of a latex glove in the socket then put the bolt in. The glove holds the bolt straight

 

[demak2375]

Okay, I swear that the next time I had it out I'm going to cut off a longer bolt and weld it to that back bolt so it comes out far enough to put a socket wrench on it.