Is this right?

[Shadowrider]

Hey guys, just had a quick question. I needed to replace the starter on my 91 Ranger (3.0) and for the life of me couldn't get the bolts loose. So I broke down and had it taken to a shop. The mechanic calls me and says it was gonna cost over $400 to replace it I told him I thought that was crazy high was shocked. He said he could do it for around $330 with a lesser quality starter. I asked how much the starter would be cuz there's no way labor costs could be that much. He couldn't get me a starter for less than $250. WTF? Is this guy raping me or is that pretty normal for a starter replacement?

 

[michowski]

rip off. I have a 93 3.0 and I can have my starter out in 5 minutes. Cost 100 bucks for a new one. Were are you located?

 

[Southern3.0]

That seems pretty high, but some ppl are willing to pay it and thats why I'm an auto tech student lol.

Save the money and do it your self, the bolts shouldn't be that hard, just spray them down w/ some PB blaster a day before you go to do it.

 

[Shadowrider]

Hey thanks for the quick reply. I'm in Wilmington, NC. I thought it sounded a bit high. Unfortunately I'd have to pay for a second tow to get the truck back here and buy a "normal" priced starter, so I figured it would be the same cost to just have him go ahead and do it. Certainly didn't plan on spending that much mula today.

 

[michowski]

you need more leverage on them bolts. If your replacing the starter it doesnt matter if you snap the bolts either. Put a socket on the wrench and start putting extensions on. Eventualy the bolt will either break loose or snap.

 

[Shadowrider]

Well part of it was that the bolt heads were badly worn and anything I used to try and maintain a grip just kept slipping. I don't have anything to grab onto worn bolts. I couldn't see the 3rd one either. I couldn't get under the thing properly to get good leverage and move around. No jacks

 

[AllanD]

On the 3.0 the starter bolts go THROUGH the bellhousing and thread into the starter

My STRONG recommendation is to get yourself some six-point sockets

BTW, as soon as you get it back take the bolks out one-by-one slather them
with never-seeze and re-install them

Oh and BTW, do some junkyard shopping and get yourself a SPARE starter ASAP.

Hey, I take a spare starter and alternator with me on long trips.

Why you ask? because even Advanced wants $150 for the 4.0M/T starter
and napa wants nearly $300.


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