Cobra 3.0 starter

sea wolf

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Apr 3, 2002
Messages
1,219
Ok, I think I have a bad starter in my '87 3.0 Cobra. I'm getting ready to pull it. But, I'll be damned if I can find the 3rd mounting bolt. I can see where it bolts in from the bottom on the left side facing rear & the bracket bolt, but I felt around with my fingers & can't find the other bolt. I've only had this starter off once, & that was a few years ago. My memory fails me. Anyone know where they hid the 3rd bolt? Thanx.
 

sea wolf

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Apr 3, 2002
Messages
1,219
Re: Cobra 3.0 starter

Never mind, found it with a mirror. Pulled the starter..........standing on my head.
 

MainstreetUSA1

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 12, 2004
Messages
49
Re: Cobra 3.0 starter

There are 2 bolts nearest to the bendix end of the starter and then the bracket/brace that fastens the foreward end of the starter to the block.

If you can only locate one of the bolt heads near the bendix end of the starter, then one of your starter bolts has most likely broken off.

I was in this situation 2 years ago with my 3.0. I got lucky and was able to fix it realtively easliy. While basically standing on my head in the engine compartment and with the aid of a small mirror and a flashlight, I went to work on trying to get a pilot hole drilled through the center of the broken bolt. My inner (closest to the flywheel) starter bolt had broken off just below the surface of the mounting boss on the block.

I figured I would drill with the prescribed bit for my easy-out kit and then try to remove the broken bolt. As luck would have it, the broken peice of bolt unscrewed itself just fine. I was drilling with a reverse twist drill bit and the bit spun the broken piece right out. I didn't even have to use the easy-out.

You should try what I did above. You will have to be a bit if a contortionist. Its not easy to access this bolt and see what you are doing at the same time. I'd reccomend using a reverse twist drill bit. They are cheap and you get them at Harbor Freight. You may not even need the easy out-tool. When drilling be careful not to break the drill bit and take your time.

If that doesn't work, you'll likely neet to pull the engine, get it onto a stand so you can turn it over and really go to work on that broken bolt.
 

bradleejoe

Recruit
Joined
Apr 21, 2011
Messages
1
Re: Cobra 3.0 starter

Sorry know this thread is a bit dated, but I am having starter troubles on my 3.0 Cobra and I think I'm dealing with the same setup described in this thread.

First off there are only 3 bolts correct? If so I think I found two (tough ones to get) toward the back of the boat and one more up front that's easy to get to.

My next question is how do you get those two tough bolts out. The heads are so close to the block/ other components that I can't get a socket or a wrench on either of them?

Any help will be greatly appreciated!!!
 
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