1999 Taurus starter top bolt broke the bracket (?) or part of the block where it bolts in. I believe stater brackets only run up to 1988 models. Now what?
3 Answers
The starter motor comes with the bracket to attach the solenoid to the motor and the bracket that attaches the motor itself to the engine. If one of them is the one that broke, a replacement motor will have it. If in fact the area where the motor is bolted to the engine broke, probably of one of the thread holes, then you have a bigger problem. I would make sure what really happened before undertaking any repairs.
I think I have the "bigger" problem. The broken piece I have seems to be aluminum and about half of the threaded hole. I thought I might reattach it using a metal adhesive then gently turn the bolt in place and hope the two guide bolts (?) and the other threaded bolt will hold it. I don't want to replace the motor in this old car.
Sorry to disappoint you but, no. Both bolts are required to hold the motor. One, its weight alone will make it come loose. Two, even if it holds with the adhesive, once the car starts moving the condition of the road and shocks going up and down will most probably make it come loose. And last, but not least, the motor must be in the right position to engage, any misalignment will cause the starter/motor to slip and grind; this will damage the flywheel. I have never dealt with this situation myself, or anyone that I know, and would not venture to give you advise that may not be correct. In cases like yours, I always hope for another CarGuru to step in with help from a past personal experience. Hope you can solve the problem.
