Starter Problem?

[nbates55]

1999 2.5 liter manual Truck has been starting fine til tonight. Lights and all worked but it would just give one click when I turned the key. Tried boosting it off, didnt seem to help at first but after several attempts it started fine. Took it to Oreillys auto parts where they tested the battery and said it was bad. Put a new one on it, nothing. So I had them put the old one back on it. Guy thought the starter was bad. I kinda suspected the safety switch on the clutch pedal. But it would click once when Id try it so I guess its getting juice to the starter. Looked at that safety switch and its nasty, grease running out of it and it slides up and down on the rod like maybe its broken? Anyway, tried it several times at the parts house and about the 6th try it fired up like a new one. So I went ahead and ordered a starter for it, $130.
How hard is this starter to change out and about how long will it take. Conditions are cold weather, and in my apartment complex parking lot.
Thanks!

 

[nbates55]

And what yall will think is a stupid question, but bear in mind that Im 54 years old and this is the first Ford I have ever owned. Which side is the starter on? Google reveals nothing. Ive replaced many starters on Chevys, even rebuilt them. But this Ford is all new to me. Thanks!

 

[kunar]

If I recall, starter will be on the passenger side. Should be a piece of cake, 2 or 3 bolts plus the battery cable. I don't have a ton of experience with that particular application though.

I'd be suspicious of your battery cables though, especially the ground. Make sure its making good contact at the frame and block, as well as the battery.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

^^^ I agree with checking battery cables. They can be corroded under the insulation and cause the symptoms you describe. Also make sure all connections are clean and tight, both +ve and -ve are important to a circuit.

 

[nbates55]

I do intend to check the cables and wires before even taking the new starter out of the box. Had the battery cable loosen up at the solenoid on a Buick one time. It happens.
Thanks guys!

 

[black_demon69]

check all connections on back of starter prior to removal.. they could just be loose

 

[nbates55]

About to call for tools to be brought. Yall know if they are Standard, Metric or both on this thing?

 

[black_demon69]

About to call for tools to be brought. Yall know if they are Standard, Metric or both on this thing?

metric

 

[falcon61]

nuts on starter maybe americ

 

[nbates55]

Well, the new starter is on. Wasnt too bad. Hour and a half. Would have been an hour but we didnt have any metric wrenches to take the wires off and on and had to sue a crescent wrench, with little room to work.
Old starter was a Duralast from Autozone. Put the Oreillys starter on it and all seems well. It spins much faster than the old one, even with my old battery.
Thanks for the input!