Installing a new Starter

[sheenk]

Clancy, our Expedition, needs a new starter. I am pretty confident I can replace this on my own. Rather than ending up with bleeding knunckles from doing this, I would see if there is a simple way to do this or if there are any tips/tricks that someone has?
Thanks

[bstedh]

Depending on the year it shouldn't be to difficult. I just cleaned the contacts on my 98's starter and i could get at everything from underneath without even jacking the truck up.

All you should need is a good quality swivel for your ratchet and a couple of different sized extensions. I didn't really look to see if there was enough room to wiggle the starter out around the exhaust but that is always the tricky part.

[99Expy]

The starter is located on the passenger side, back towards the transmission. Three bolts hold the starter to the bell housing. There are a couple of electrical leads connecting the solenoid to the electrical system. The bottom bolt is easily accessible. The top two are harder to get at. I had to find the right combination of extensions to get these off. With a little patience, it was not a very difficult job. I loosened the bottom bolt just a little bit and completely removed the top two. That way I could hold the starter while I took out the last bolt.

Starter

Removal & Installation

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.

3. Remove the starter terminal cover.

4. Remove the terminal nut and separate the battery starter cable from the starter motor.

5. Disconnect the solenoid (S) terminal connector, if equipped with a starter mounted solenoid.

Ø To disconnect the hard-shell connector from the solenoid (S) terminal, grasp the plastic shell and pull off; do not pull on the wire. Pull straight off to prevent damage to the connector and (S) terminal.

6. Remove the starter motor retaining bolts.

7. Remove the starter motor from the vehicle.

To Install:

8. Place the starter motor in position and install the starter motor retaining bolts. Tighten the bolts to 15-20 ft. lbs. (20-27 Nm).

9. Install the battery starter cable and a terminal nut to the starter motor. Tighten the terminal nuts to 79 inch lbs. (9 Nm).

10. Connect the solenoid (S) terminal connector, if equipped with a starter mounted solenoid.

11. Install the starter solenoid safety cap. If equipped.

12. Lower the vehicle.

13. Connect the negative battery cable.

14. Start the engine several times to check starter motor operation.

I have not done this but found the info by googling Ford Expedition starter replacement instructions. Isn't the net a wonderful thing?
Good luck, let us know.

[sheenk]

Thanks for the great info. I looked this up on Google also and followed the instructions. No problems. It is nice to know that there are people out there willing to help out. Sure do appreciate it.

[99Expy]

Thanks for letting us know.

[bobo1]

you mention cleaning the contacts. are you talking about the solenoid? I have a 98 that it a hit and miss on starting. I figured that cleaning the solenoid might just do the trick. any advise?
Bobo1