How to Remove the Starter in a Dodge Cummins Engine
by Christian Killian
If your Dodge diesel is in need of a new starter, you can remove it yourself and save yourself a large repair bill. The starter motor on the diesel engine is a larger, heavy duty unit that has the higher torque required to turn over the high-compression diesel engines. New starters are available from the Dodge dealer and most automotive parts stores if you need to replace it with a new one. Removing the starter on a Cummins diesel is no different than removing one on a gas engine.
Step 1
Remove the negative battery cables from both batteries on your Dodge. Set the cable aside, isolating it from the battery so it cannot make contact with the terminal while you are working.
Step 2
Raise the front of your Dodge with a jack and place a set of jack stands under the frame to support the vehicle. Check the rating on the jack stands before using them under a large vehicle like full-size Dodge trucks.
Step 3
Locate the starter on the driver's side of the engine. Remove the nut from the battery terminal on the starter with a wrench. then remove the cable and set it aside. This is the larger wire running to the starter from the batteries.
Step 4
Locate the second, smaller terminal on the starter and remove the nut from the post with a wrench. Remove the wire from the post and set it aside.
Step 5
Locate the three mounting bolts that support the starter. Using a socket and ratchet, remove the lower two bolts first. Remove the upper bolt while supporting the starter with your free hand. On some diesel models, you will find an aluminum spacer between the starter and the bell housing. If your truck has this spacer, it is important to note the orientation of it before removing the starter so it can be reinstalled correctly later.
Step 6
Slide the starter toward the front of the truck so that the nose cone on the starter clears the bell housing. Lower the starter out of the engine compartment and remove it from under the truck.
Things You'll Need
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Socket set
- Wrench set
Writer Bio
Christian Killian has been a freelance journalist/photojournalist since 2006. After many years of working in auto parts and service positions, Killian decided to move into journalism full-time. He has been published in "1st Responder News" as well as in other trade magazines and newspapers in the last few years.
