MTFCA Forum

Replacing the starter. Was a bit taken back by round head screws used to mount the starter. Why? Bolts make more sense to me. This one is not a show car. Yea or nea?

Seems to me that one could quite easily over-tighten a bolt whereas a slotted head screw w/lock washer will suffice. I've seen both.

Ford way for me. Surprised you were taken away by single slot screws on the Ford! They are all over the place.

The starter flange is a bit tight to put a socket wrench on a hex-head bolt, would be difficult IMO. Unless maybe you have a thin-wall socket, or if you don't have a socket while on tour, a box wrench or open end would really be hard to use

Round head factory screw and big lock washer under the head is far easier. Standard Ford equipment.

If you really want to taunt the Ford Gods...
Stick a Torx bolt in there !!

Dan, I’ll buy your logic.

I have the correct SCREWS in mine, and have never had a problem.

I used alan head.You can get them tighter.

Original screws with lockwashers can be tightened adequately to seal and retain the starter as designed. I'd agree if someone says "lets use a ball driver and SHCS on this thing, 'cause it's easier to do the outer screws that way". And if tighter makes you sleep better, so be it, but it is not necessary.

If you use a square shank screwdriver you can put a FORD adjustable wrench (or any other) to it and get it plenty tight. Jim