Starter cotter pin...

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LivewireBlanco

LivewireBlanco

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So I'm a noob and I pulled the pin while taking off my starter thinking it needed to come out while removing it. This is the big pin that I now know holds the shifter fork inside. I took the starter you AutoZone to test it and it worked but we very noisy. Now I have it back on the car (71 Dart) but headers are on and I realized I stil had the pin...

My question is could I put it back on and it be in the right place without taking out the starter or do I need to take the starter off which probably means removing the header and disassemble the starter to make sure it's catching the fork correctly?

Learning pains suck.
 
You need to take it apart to fix it and that may be not easy. It's been YEARS since I've been into a Mopar starter, but many of them have a WIRE WHICH MUST BE unsoldered in the solenoid connections. It's easy to jerk it apart unknowingly and break that wire
 
67Dart273 said:
You need to take it apart to fix it and that may be not easy. It's been YEARS since I've been into a Mopar starter, but many of them have a WIRE WHICH MUST BE unsoldered in the solenoid connections. It's easy to jerk it apart unknowingly and break that wire
Click to expand...

Run over to MyMopar and download some service manuals, free:

MyMopar - Mopar Forums & Information - MyMopar Tools/Reference

This example is out of the 72 manual, page 8-10. "Unwinding the solenoid wire" at top right is what I'm talking about

solenoid.jpg
 
If you are not worried about "restore correct" I'd get a 90's Dodge Dakota/ RAM 5.2/ 5.9 gas starter "mini starter" they are far superior
 
Not trying to be vintage correct but buying a new starter wasn't something I wanted to do. I'll try fixing this one and if I need too ill get a mini starter. I'm NOT looking forward to removing it with the headers...
 
The starter has to come off, but you may be able to rotate it in it's trapped location and pop the dust cover. Then you can see what you are doing and slip that pin back in. If you manage that, remember to bend the end over so it can't fall out.
 
If the pin goes in does that mean its lined up correctly? Or is the only way to tell by opening it up?
 
The pin will only go through completely if everything is in alignment. If you can get it to go all the way thru- you are golden. If you think you have to take it apart- yes you have to unsolder a terminal. The difficulty comes in re-soldering which takes some skill. The solenoid wire needs to be straightened and solder removed so that it now can be wrapped around the terminal and re-soldered. If this is your first time, I wouldn't recommend it. Or maybe a friend could help?
 
Murray said:
The pin will only go through completely if everything is in alignment. If you can get it to go all the way thru- you are golden. If you think you have to take it apart- yes you have to unsolder a terminal. The difficulty comes in re-soldering which takes some skill. The solenoid wire needs to be straightened and solder removed so that it now can be wrapped around the terminal and re-soldered. If this is your first time, I wouldn't recommend it. Or maybe a friend could help?
Click to expand...
just looked at the starter. I can see clear through the pin hole. No shifter in sight. Probably moved when we tested it without the pin. Looks like it's coming off...
 
That pin is a pain in the *** to get back in with the starter on a bench let alone in the car. The two "legs" of the cotter pin have to go around the fork and then through the hole on the other side so straighten the pin as best you can. The solenoid shouldn't have to come off to get the cotter pin back in place.
 
I was able to get a pick in there to move the fork. I'm working on getting the pin in. You're right, it's no fun but at least I didn't have to unbolt my header!
 
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