I have taken the starter out before to replace my core plugs. It took three bolts and came right out. I have been driving the car for a couple months since then and it started making a cracking sound when started but still started up fine. Tried to start it up the other day and all it does is make a click but doesnt turn over at all. I replaced solenoid and decided to get the starter tested but when i went to remove the starter I took out all the bolts but the starter is stuck on tight. I used a rubber mallet, jerked it real hard, let it roll in Drive but still will not budge, any ideas on how to get that starter off and why its stuck on there?
Starter drive may be stuck in flexplate. Try turning front crankshaft bolt backward with a socket to see if it will free it up. I had my 2.3L Ranger do this exact thing.
Alright I'll try that, but when you say backward do you mean I should turn it clockwise or counter clockwise? Should I be forceful with it or will it give easy? Thanks for the help, its greatly appreciated
Counter-clockwise. I would start off lightly and work up the force if it don't budge. You might try to go counter then clockwise, back and forth, before you put a whole lot of force on it. If you have to use enough force in counter-clockwise to actually loosen the bolt, be sure to get it tightened back on.
Generally when my starter has made a click in the past, it hasn't been the starter. Test the starter. Poor battery connections (clean 'em), or a bad battery (amps, not volts - volts will test fine even on a bad battery) will do it. I've had 7 yr batteries go bad after 3 yrs and thought it was the starter, b/c of a bad battery that measured fine in voltage but had no cranking amps. I guess now that you have the starter out we'll find out if that was it.
