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Gatorhead
12-25-2009, 02:21 AM
Tools you will need:
3/8 ratchet
2-3 extensions (I used a 4" and a 3")
9/16 socket
5/8 socket (automatics)
5/16 socket
7/16 wrench
Jack

Well I got stranded in a parking lot due to a starter failure. It had been awhile since I had to work on one so I searched on the site for a write up to determine what all was needed for the job to remind me and so as not to have any surprises. My search left me with only my memory lol so I figured I would write this up for the next guy.

I also have a set of Rhino ramps and I love em! Using those and the hands of several people to help push the car on top of them I had more than enough clearance. The job is very straight forward but it is NO FUN!

1. Remove negative cable from battery
2. Navigate under vehicle and locate the clip holding the tranny lines in place about half way down the block. It is held in place with a 7/16 nut on the oil pan. I find this helps to move the lines just enough to get the starter out.
3. Remove the starter from the block (2 bolts).
4. Now that it is loose flip it vertically so as to have the solenoid posts facing you and take the wires loose.
5. If you have an automatic take the dust cover off at this time, not sure on a standard, but I believe you could gain a little extra room by removing the inspection cover although it may or may not be necessary.
6. Flip the starter so the solenoid is down and start making it through the tranny lines and the area the dust shield occupied. This will take an extreme amount of wiggling, pulling, cussing and patience. The fun part is you have to remember exactly how you got it out cause it has to go right back in the same way ;)
7. Install is reverse of removal.

Other things to note. It is VERY tight down there. Nothing gives and it all has old oil an grease and dirt. It is going to fall into your eyes if you leave them unprotected. You will spend quite a bit of time on your back. I found that the hardest part of the entire job was being able to hold the starter back in place and getting the mounting bolt started. Not enough room for my hands and forearms to get up in there and they got tired quickly. Feel free to add anything that I may have forgotten, or that you have found helpful in the past.

FANTA-Z
12-25-2009, 02:50 AM
Glad you got it fixed and very nice write up as well!!

Gatorhead
12-26-2009, 08:02 PM
Glad you got it fixed and very nice write up as well!!

Thanks! I beat and banged on it to try and get it home but it didn't happen. It left me down and out for the next couple days. I didn't think I could be that sore lol.

TSAEB
01-03-2010, 07:27 AM
on my 95 v6 the starter wont have room to be removed...you can unbolt it but the cross over exhuast (y pipe) is so close that i gave up trying to slide it out...i hade to unbolt the exhuast from the manifolds to make room....however after dealing with the starter messing with the exhaust seem to be a breeze.