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I had the starter bench tested at Oreilly Auto and all was fine. They tested it twice and good both times. When almost done installing, I broke the little plate that the small 10 mm nut is mounted to. I say broke but a better description is the plastic that the plate is mounted to fractured and the plate is now floating free except for the wire that connects the little post is still there. See picture.
I ask if the smaller cylinder on the starter can be swapped out. I see 2 torx head screws on the main body holding the smaller part on. I thought it was a solenoid. When i go look at Oreilly and rockauto, i see an entirely different part for the solenoid.
The starter looks to be an original Motorcraft and I don't want to go by a parts store POS starter. There is a local business in Alvin Texas that rebuilds starters and I trust them. STR Starter and Alternator on Hwy 6.
It's the same solenoid as the 4.0 and the 2.3, I don't know why they aren't showing it for the 3.0
I looked for 2.5L and 4L "on starter" solenoids. Nope, same story.
Good news though. I mentioned my "Go To" STR starter and Alternator rebuild place in Alvin, Texas. They have closed. I called ph number and a guy answers. He worked for STR Alternator and Starter. He started his own business (Manvel Alternator, 281-331-7522). I told him about not being able to locate a replacement solenoid like i need.
He agreed to install a replacement solenoid on my Motorcraft starter for $50 out the door. I'll report back on how it works out.
Indeed, i got the company to swap out the "on starter motor" solenoid for $50 cash. He let me watch while he did it. Done in 5 minutes and he tested it. I'm pretty sure his part was Chinesium though. Manufacturer is WAI.
I googled more after getting back to work and found a Amazon offering that might be doable. But it says only good for 4 cylinder models. Beware and I can't stand behind this fitting our 3.0L V6. It sure looks similar on the connectors end.
Tip for getting the torx screws out. He put a ball peen hammer up against heads and hit it with another hammer. One side gave in with an easy un torque but the other needed a 2nd dose of this. Atleast most of my starter is still Motorcraft.
