Thunderbird V8-4.6L VIN W (1997)
Starter Drive/Bendix: Service and Repair
1. Remove positive brush connector from starter solenoid M-terminal. Remove starter solenoid retaining screws and remove starter solenoid.
2. Remove through-bolts and separate motor assembly from drive end housing. Remove housing seal from drive end housing. Remove starter drive
gear assembly from housing and detach drive lever and pin.
3. Remove starter drive stop ring and stop ring retainer from output shaft and then remove starter drive assembly.
4. Apply a thin coating of Syncolube (PTFE) Low Temperature Grease or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSG-M1C218-B2 on output shaft
spline. Install new starter drive gear assembly on output shaft. Install new starter drive stop ring and stop ring retainer. Attach drive lever and pin.
5. Partially fill drive end housing bushing bore with grease (approximately one-quarter full). Install drive gear assembly in housing, making sure to
line up bolt holes in starter drive gear assembly and housing.
6. Install lever support and housing seal in drive end housing.
7. Position starter frame and magnet to housing and install through-bolts. Tighten to 5-10 N.m (45-88 lb-in).
8. Install starter solenoid.
