How to Install a Starter on a 1992 F150
Ford launched the ninth generation of F-150's in 1992. The new half-ton trucks came with a redesigned front end, completely remodeled dashboard and the optional flare side bed. The need for a starter on the new F-150 was the same as the old models however. If you turn the key and only hear a loud clunk, or nothing at all, you may have a faulty starter. Before deciding to replace the starter, it's always a good idea to have your old one bench-tested, so take it with you when you head out to purchase a new one.
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Things You'll Need
- Battery wrench
- Floor jack
- 3 jack stands
- 2 wheel chocks
- Socket wrench
- 13 mm socket
- Masking tape
- Marker pen
Instructions
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1
Open the F-150's hood. Loosen the negative battery cable end with a battery wrench and then remove the negative cable from the battery terminal.
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2
Brace the left-rear wheel using two wheel chocks. Elevate the front end of the F-150 with a floor jack, then support it on two jack stands. Remove the floor jack.
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3
Support the belly of the old starter with a jack stand. Remove the cables from the back of the starter using a socket wrench and 13 mm socket. Note the position of each cable as you remove them -- you may even choose to mark the positions with masking tape and a marker pen to ensure you know the proper reinstallation order.
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4
Remove the two starter mounting bolts with the 13 mm socket and wrench. Grab the starter with both hands and slide it back from the engine; the starter is very heavy. Set the starter aside.
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5
Lift the replacement starter into position atop the jack stand. Slide it forward into place. Thread the mounting bolts through the starter and into the engine block by hand before tightening them to 12-to-15 foot-pounds with the socket and wrench.
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6
Reconnect the starter wiring with the socket and wrench in reverse order of how you removed it. Pull the jack stand out from under the starter.
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7
Lower the F-150 from the jack stands with the floor jack. Remove the wheel chocks from the back tire. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery using the battery wrench
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Tips & Warnings
Never let a starter hang from loose starter bolts as the ears on the starter break easily. When purchasing a replacement starter, the old adage "you get what you pay for" is very applicable. Rebuilt starters are often cheaper than remanufactured units, however, a rebuilt starter is merely a used one that's been repaired. A remanufactured starter is an old case with all new internal parts. Many rebuilt starters come with a lifetime warranty to make them more attractive to buyers, but consider whether you want to spend your lifetime replacing it over and over before making the purchase. Having the old starter on hand at the store will also remove the need to pay a core charge.
