Hi All,
When checking the engine mounts on my truck (2001 M1035A2), I found the front mounting stud and nut from the starter, just hanging out in the passenger side engine mount. No idea how long it has been there. Maybe the whole time I’ve had the truck. I have been trying to reinstall it, and it just will not go in. I cleaned the threads, and both stud and nut seem to be in good shape. Got a mirror and some light, and inspected the hook bracket and hole as best I could. Either the starter has shifted enough that the hole is ever-so-slightly obscured, or the first couple of threads in the hole are buggered. It‘s very hard to be sure, since it’s so hard to see up there. Maintenance Manual Vol 2, p 4-16 and 4-17, say to torque the nut on the stud, against the bracket, to 15-19lb-ft.
QUESTIONS: 1. How necessary is that stud, for normal operation?
2. Or, is the stud only used to assist in installing / removing the
starter?
The two big starter mount bolts are in good shape, with sealant on them. I can’t move the starter by hand. It’s securely on there. I have had the truck for a couple years, and I’ve put 4k miles on it, and it has never failed to start. I drive it pretty regularly. I just hope I’m not about to have a big problem…
Advice appreciated!