Starter Replacement

[BluebyU]

Hi Guys!

After being left stranded by my beloved a couple of months ago, I've decided that it's time to replace my starter. I have been trying for the last two weekends to get the stupid thing off and even though it's only two bolts, I can't seem to get to them. Because the car won't start, I can't run it up on ramps and the macadam isn't sealed properly, so the jack sinks when I use my floor jack.

Is there some simple method of replacing this stupid thing? I've searched and even have a manual to reference (chilton's), but for the life of me I can't figure out how to get to the bolts. With Reading being next weekend, I fear that I won't have my SVX there for the first time since I've had it.

Poor thing has had a rough winter, dinged by snowblower, clearcoat peeling on the hood, and now this....

If anyone is local and can help out, I'll buy the beer or whatever your drink of preference is as a thank you...

Almost forgot, I'm in the Coatesville, PA area.....

[How-To Doc]

If we can get a How-To from this one, it will be great and can be posted so everyone can see how to do it.

[Gamesy]

i've removed the starter from the top, its not too difficult

1. Unplug battery.
2. remove plastic intake to the throttlebodies.
3. You will not be able to use a ratchet too well I recommend ratcheting monkey wrenches (gear wrech), if not a 10 or 12mm will work ( i cant remember which size)
4. There are 3 places that must be undone
4.a. remove + battery line on back of starter
4.b. remove the bolt which is closest to you.
4.c. when losening the bolt on the far side( you will need to feel for it). the starter will become loose so you can kinda move it around to make taking the bolt out easier. do not worry about starter falling out.
5. once all bolts are removed you can start to take the starter out but it is a tight fit and to clear the backing you'll have to pull the back towards the transmission.
6. once clear pull it out, there might be some lines in the way that can be moved easil.

summary. It is a bit of a tight spot to work with but is doable, took about 15mins.

[SoCal LS-L]

Originally Posted by How-To Doc

If we can get a How-To from this one, it will be great and can be posted so everyone can see how to do it.

Look a new member already giving advice on running the forum. The nerve of some people!!

Wait till Earl hears about this

[Trevor]

Very well written and must go in the how too stuff. We have gained a special new member.

Point 2 appears to be the important clue. It could be a good idea to confirm the wrench/spanner size and advise further regarding the necessity for, the special wrench which many may not posses. Also the description is not too clear for some outside of the US. (We do not have "monkey" wrenches in N.Z.)

N.B. This is not a criticism by any means, but is simply an indication of how an excellent "how too" can be made even better as result of input and editing, something the new system will allow. Editing should when possible, as a matter of courtesy, be left in the hands of the author.

[Gamesy]

this wrench i guess the correct term is combination wrench i call it a monkey cause you can interconnect more than one together

http://www.northerntool.com/images/p.../254318_lg.jpg

http://www.hor-i-zon.com/catalog/images/KGW3431.jpg

[BluebyU]

Thank you! I did take the plastic intake off, but not out of the engine bay. It did give me a little bit of room. I'll try taking it all the way out tomorrow and see if that helps. Having big hands doesn't help any.....

[Trevor]

Originally Posted by Gamesy

this wrench i guess the correct term is combination wrench i call it a monkey cause you can interconnect more than one together

http://www.northerntool.com/images/p.../254318_lg.jpg

http://www.hor-i-zon.com/catalog/images/KGW3431.jpg

What I would call a double ended spanner and a double ended ratchet spanner. Alternatively a ring and open ender. We have pipe wrenches or "Stilsons" reserved for for the brutal stuff. This is quite an interesting subject.

I recall when very early in life, as a learning joke, an uncle demonstrated that there were right and and left hand Stilsens. However I quickly caught on after a litte experimenting.

Not sure of the correct spelling for a "Stilson/Stilsen". I gather that it is the name of the original manufacturer, much like the now universal and much loved, "Crescent" adjustable spanner. To call such a nice tool a "wrench", I find abhorrent. After all to wrench is to wrench, i.e twist violently. Down thus way we always tighten carefully.

[sowise]

you are about an hr away from me, pm me if you still need help tomorrow and I may be able to run up there and give you a hand. I can throw some tools together and bring pretty much whatever would be required.

[Hocrest]

FYI, on wrench sizes;

Top Bolt - 14 mm - This goes through the trans and into the engine block, it's long
Bottom Nut - 17mm - This goes onto a stud that is threaded into the trans bell housing

And Bobby, if it's not running by next week, maybe I can run down Sat morning??

[BluebyU]

With the help of Sowise, she lives again!! I was able to get the top bolt out before he got here (after much swearing - thank goodness we have an acre of land...lol). The bottom bolt was harder for me because trying to get my hands to move in the restricted space wasn't working out. With his help, we finished up the job in less than a half hour.

Thanks for the offer Dave!

My next task is the drivers window which no longer works.....at least that doesn't stop the car from running...

The Spec B will get some much needed rest now.....

[Gamesy]

i'm glad u got it running. i wish i could drive down for readin this year maybe next

[1986nate]

Originally Posted by Hocrest

FYI, on wrench sizes;

Top Bolt - 14 mm - This goes through the trans and into the engine block, it's long
Bottom Nut - 17mm - This goes onto a stud that is threaded into the trans bell housing

And Bobby, if it's not running by next week, maybe I can run down Sat morning??

Dave, the bottom nut is also 14 mm
Sorry, I just did this

[Hocrest]

The stock one is 17, but it actually has the same threads as most of the 14 mm nuts.

[Trevor]

Originally Posted by How-To Doc

If we can get a How-To from this one, it will be great and can be posted so everyone can see how to do it.

This should be made to happen.