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Special Socket Wrench for Starter Mount Bolts

April 05, 2024, 11:59:33 am

I am about to install a new gear reduction starter on my 1999 U-320 and the mounting bolts for the old starter are multi-point rather than hex bolts.  My 5/8" socket seems to be the proper size but it just slips on the bolt head.  Is there a specialty type socket for this type of bolts? 

Thanks,

Richard

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Re: Special Socket Wrench for Starter Mount Bolts

Reply #1 – April 05, 2024, 12:33:30 pm

Is the socket you are trying a 6 point? Usually you have to use a 12 point socket for those bolts. I am guessing since I have not seen the bolts you are referring too but it sounds like it may be the case.

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Re: Special Socket Wrench for Starter Mount Bolts

Reply #2 – April 05, 2024, 01:21:42 pm

They are a 12 pt. 5/8" socket head. You can use a long 1/2" drive extension to use the wrench beyond the starter motor. Also have someone above hold some of the starter weight with a rope from above.

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Re: Special Socket Wrench for Starter Mount Bolts

Reply #3 – April 05, 2024, 04:18:56 pm

I think mine were 9/16s?  Corrected to 5/8 12 point. There is one bolt hole were the back side is open going forward. Mine had corrosion starting and tried to gaul when I removed. You can spray some lube on it before and during removal. Mine were so tight that when they broke loose it literally shot pain down my spine on all three. This was with a 30" breaker bar.

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Re: Special Socket Wrench for Starter Mount Bolts

Reply #4 – April 05, 2024, 04:21:55 pm

Nope Crainman AGAIN is correct it is a 5/8
ISM starter

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Re: Special Socket Wrench for Starter Mount Bolts

Reply #5 – April 05, 2024, 05:32:29 pm

I'm with both of you 5/8th 12 point and really hard to brake loose.

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Re: Special Socket Wrench for Starter Mount Bolts

Reply #6 – April 05, 2024, 06:47:05 pm

This configuration is the same on big trucks and heavy equipment. The earlier ones only use the 12pt 5/8" on top and standard 3/4" on the other 2. Peter (old man) probably changed out as many as me as we were both heavy equipment mechanics in the Operating Engineers.

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Re: Special Socket Wrench for Starter Mount Bolts

Reply #7 – April 07, 2024, 11:52:24 am

Thanks guys, you were all correct.  It did require a 5/8" twelve point socket.  My initial problem was that I was using a deep socket.  Because the body of the starter was wider than the mounting base, the deep socket had to be at a bit of an angle and would not seat completely.  Once I changed to a standard depth socket (with extensions) it seated properly and did the job. 

Other than the weight of the starters maneuvered while lying on my back, replacing the old starter with a new gear reduction starter was not a big job. 

Richard

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Re: Special Socket Wrench for Starter Mount

Reply #8 – April 07, 2024, 02:46:25 pm

Just had the starter changed on my U320 yesterday.  Wasn't about to tackle it myself ("a man has got to know,his limitations"...to quote some guy with a gun....  I was able to buy a Delco new from Napa for $340.... On sale 20% off. 

I am fortunate to have Jeff of Gino's Garage YouTube fame in my back yard when I need some help.... Great guy, fast, efficient, knowledgeable and willing to work with an owner at any level....I was the "help" for this.

Well, the project took all of 90 minutes from drive up to turning the key....including side conversations.  Bottom bolts came out in the first 5 minutes...helps with a "BIG GUN".  Top bolt fought us every inch of the way.  BIG GUN wouldn't move it.  All the tricks were used.... Punch the head, lots of Aviation Kroil and other magic sauce over the past week.... End result was 24 inch breaker bar and BIG FOOT on the end....and the sweet sound of "crack". 

One interesting obstacle was the DC lead...VERY short and virtually no slack and a tight hole to boot.

I brass wheeled all the lugs, engine ground surface, etc and added anti corrosion goo to them.  Jeff used anti-seize on the mounting bolts for the next guy. 

End result was about 3 second crank, battery volts didn't drop below 12.2+-.

So while talking volts, I'm am growing to hate the not so wonderful serrated lugs used by the factory on all the larger cable connections.  While effective cranked down on a battery post, not a great long term connection when mated to another similar lug, or for that matter any other surface.  Nothing but reduces contact surface and space to help corrosion take hold..

So far I have replaced the battery jumpers..made new 4/0 with flat copper lugs, and almost every other one where feasible.  Another interesting event was just replacing the battery jumpers and cleaning the lead lugs with a file made the old starter spin like boost was on....  Just food for thought. 

Anyway, all works great, 23 year old boat anchor going to the recycler.  Now back to my leaking fuel line buried in the center section above the tank.  I will post a new discovery on that with the appropriate title___

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Re: Special Socket Wrench for Starter Mount Bolts

Reply #9 – April 13, 2024, 02:00:38 pm

On the 8.3 engine it is a 12 point 1/2 inch socket.

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