trying to install a STARTER
 

i AM A lone repairman, a simple task like attempting to bolt a starter back into a car is a nightmare for a solo repairman. It would take one man to line the starter up with the holes and another person to screw the bolts in. If I could only get ONE bolt in then alignment with the other 2 holes should be easy. Any suggestions or do I have to ask my wife to help? OH NO, NOT THAT.

Re: trying to install a STARTER
 

Put a stud in the top hole & then the starter will support itself.

A stud could be a bolt with the head cut off.

Re: trying to install a STARTER
 

Great idea, you are a genius. THANK YOU SOO MUCH

Re: trying to install a STARTER
 

Unless, of course, if you have one of the "new style" starter drives that sometimes just won't fit unless you do a little clearancing and grinding. If it is enclosed in a sheet metal housing, it's probably a new style.

Re: trying to install a STARTER
 

If you are working from underneath the vehicle and just can't support the starter with one arm while attempting to begin one bolt ..... try propping up the starter with a stack of wood or old books or milk crate to get it right up there, make certain it is not going to fall over on you!

Re: trying to install a STARTER
 

The new style enclosed Bendix can be a PITA to install in a flathead V8. Not sure if the same applies to a 4 banger like the OP has.

Re: trying to install a STARTER
 

Your idea worked like a charm
I added a net to each stud and was able to fasten the starter in place.
Then with it held in place I remove one stud at a time replacing it with the proper bolt. This way everything was completely lined up. Fantastic.
I set aside this set of starter studs and nuts if I have to remove the start again.
Thanks a million for your great idea.

Re: trying to install a STARTER
 

The stack of wood is a good approach, just to find the right shims to align the holes. These old fords are machined so well that everything has to line up perfectly to fit. Great engineering.

Re: trying to install a STARTER
 

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned using a transmission jack to position the starter in place while attaching the bolts. One is something like a floor jack, with a platform for leveling your workpiece.

Re: trying to install a STARTER
 

Or the scissor jack from your daily driver?

Re: trying to install a STARTER
 

This may work on a v8- but the OP was asking about a 4 cylinder starter .

When an early V8er can't hold a starter in place to start the fasteners, maybe it's time to hire it out.

Re: trying to install a STARTER
 

A jack would be of no help if the left hand engine splash pan is in place.

Re: trying to install a STARTER
 

Took some tape and made alignment marks on the starter and pan. Not as good as the long studs but it worked fine for me.

Re: trying to install a STARTER
 

The jack is also a great idea, never thought of it, I am really getting old, will be 75 by the end of this month.

Re: trying to install a STARTER
 

About 20 years ago I started keeping the scissor jacks from the cars I sold or traded in, and I have a few I modify for specific tasks.

Re: trying to install a STARTER
 

The RV which I recently sold had a basement ac unit. I had to use a motorcycle jack to wrestle that thing in and out more than once. The proper tool Makes a hard job doable. Especially with me being 78 now.

Al Hook