'73 Starter/Header Question
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Richmond Virginia
'73 Starter/Header Question
I'm in the process of changing the starter on my '73. I've loosened it and ready to take out, however, the header pipes are blocking my ability to pull the starter forward so I can bring it down.
Is this normal and I need to just continue to try to work the starter forward?
Thanks in advance.
Is this normal and I need to just continue to try to work the starter forward?
Thanks in advance.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
not sure how to answer this with out specific model numbers on the headers but ....yeah headers can complicate starter life in many ways....thats why lots of use the hi torque or mini starters to alleviate this problem....i guess you could always loosen the headers and exhaust to allow it to move outwards....i would just keep trying to move it and see if there is a really good angle that suddenly appears and the damn thing is dropping on you before you know it...sometimes there is a brace that is at the back of the starter that goes to the block and if this is not removed it will cause a problem
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Richmond Virginia
Thank you for your help. I'm about a 1/4" away from getting it out but I am going to have to loosen the headers. It looks complicated since the a/c is there but I'll give it a try.
The starter I bought is going back and there is a mini-starter in my near future.
Again, thanks.
The starter I bought is going back and there is a mini-starter in my near future.
Again, thanks.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 559
Likes: 0
From: James Island South Carolina
Don't do like I did and loosen the starter completely and then loosen the header and then drop the starter on your head. I did that years ago and....who turned out the lights?....
Last edited by surfshark; Jan 13, 2006 at 08:37 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Originally Posted by surfshark
Don't do like I did and loosen the starter completely and then loosen the header and then drop the starter on your head. ....
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Replaced my starter a couple of years back and I don't remember having to unbolt the headers. In fact I seem to remember it was a pretty straightforward job, except for fiddling with the heat shields and that bracket at the rear.
Of course, my headers may well be different to yours.
Of course, my headers may well be different to yours.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
I think that it might be a difference in the header design or manufacturer if some can do this and you cant. You can either try to keep fighting this with the current way, or take the long way, but eventually the easier way out, and loosen the headers and try to move them that 1/4 inch out of the way.
I was working on a 69 GTO and was trying to replace an oil pan, and somehow managed to crack the bell housing by trying to force things out with a crow bar. Needless to say I learned my lesson at age 19 that sometimes the longest way out is often the easiest. That was 25 years ago, but I remember it well.
kdf
PS. ok math wizards, I am 46.
kdf
I was working on a 69 GTO and was trying to replace an oil pan, and somehow managed to crack the bell housing by trying to force things out with a crow bar. Needless to say I learned my lesson at age 19 that sometimes the longest way out is often the easiest. That was 25 years ago, but I remember it well.
kdf
PS. ok math wizards, I am 46.
kdf
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 435
Likes: 2
From: Boise Idaho
Originally Posted by surfshark
Don't do like I did and loosen the starter completely and then loosen the header and then drop the starter on your head. I did that years ago and....who turned out the lights?....
I about spit my coffee on the keyboard on that one!
Thanks for the chuckle!!
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Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Richmond Virginia
Any thoughts on a mini-starter in terms of a specific brand? I'm not sure how many teeth on the flywheel. Found some on ebay but I'm somewhat hesitant. They seem to be about half the price than the internet auto stores.
I will say that as a brand new member and vette owner, I sure enjoy this forum. By the way, I make sure my head is no where near where that 20lb+ part can hit it!!
I will say that as a brand new member and vette owner, I sure enjoy this forum. By the way, I make sure my head is no where near where that 20lb+ part can hit it!!
