So, my 98 12V has a starter issue, intermittent, sometimes works, sometimes just clicks. I would rather replace the contacts than buy a whole new unit.

I am wondering how heavy the starter is to drop it? It looks like a fairly straightforward job to do the contacts themselves. Any tips or suggestions?

 

LarryB's Dodge starting problems solved here.

 

Easy job. if you can change oil - youll be ok.

You will need a 10mm 12 point wrench or a 12 point socket to get the starter off. The top bolt is a bear.

 

for the top bolt i use like a 12 inch extension with a socket works well for me

 

Yeah a cheater doesnt hurt. Ive also heard of guys using a bottle jack to break the bolt free.

 

use a gear wrench the top one is no prob then and put plenty of anti sieze on after

 

i used a floor jack to break mine free.... worked like a charm... larryb's all the way... thats wut i did when my starter just clicked.... new plunger and over size contacts..

 

tough tough tough!! If you only do the supersized contacts, piece of cake. If you replace the solenoid, PAIN IN THE BUTT!!! VERY VERY difficult. Trying to resolder (more like TORCH) is very tough and takes a lof of heat and a skilled technician. But the contacts are a piece of cake and 9/10 times those are the issue.

 

sounds like its just to contacts to me. should be an easy fix

 

When I tore my ORIGINAL 256k mile cummins start out, the contacts and plunger were SHOT.


I have faith that if I replaced only the contacts with larry b's contacts and didn't mess up the soldering, the starter would have been fine.