Hello, I have a 93 Ford van with a 300 6 cylinlder. The starter is going out. This morning I crawled under the van, and tapped the starter with a heavy tool, and it started. I doubt it's going to be a long term fix. This is a back-up vehicle which i use very little. I live in an apartment complex, and plan to sell it soon. I'm in my 60s, and I no longer have the motivation to crawl under the car to do my own repairs. I have a neighbor who flips cars. She is a woman about 40 years old, and is apparently quite handy. She's always working on a car, and doing small repairs. I think she could handle this job. She is not working, and could probably use the money. I'm thinking about offering her $100. Does that sound like a fair amount? The starter has a solenoid attached to it. The starter/solenoid costs $100 at Autozone.

 

What does she say about your offer? She might have a little bit of a time with the upper bolt holding the starter. If it all works right, when done the price is worth it and fair,
I think..Just labor. Has she ever done a starter replacement?

 

I don't know if she's ever done a starter replacement. I also didn't know about the upper bolt. I did a visual of it from underneath, and I saw 2 bolts. I did not see the 3rd bolt which I now realize per your comment would be very hard to reach. I think I'll ask my male friend to do it instead. He said he'll do it for $60 an hour. He's not a mechanic by trade, but he's turned a lot of wrenches.

 

I have done a few starters on E150''s with the 300 by removing the motor hump console which gives you easy access to the starter from up above.
If your lady friend isn't used to handling heavy items, she should not attempt changing a starter. It is heavy and she could be injured doing it from below if it falls on her head.

 

I didn't think of the removing the engine cover! That's gonna be a game changer if I can access the starter bolts from this location! If that's the case, I may do the replacement myself. I am not in the best health right now which is why I didn't feel up to crawling under the van and dealing with this repair. Do you have an idea about how long my "fix" is gonna last? My fix was to crawl under the van, and tap the starter housing. I haven't tried to restart it since. I'm afraid it's gonna do the same thing. (not start)

 

How long? Nobody knows. I would just pack some comfortable shoes with you as you venture out.

 

Usually, what causes that type starter problem is; the brushes are worn to the point where they don't make contact with the armature or one of them just got stuck slightly off the armature in the starter. If it was only a stuck brush,you may have some time to consider replacing the starter . If the brushes are worn , that trick only works once or twice if , lucky. Replacement is definitely on the menu.