Difficulty level of replacing a starter...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: Chapel Hill NC
Difficulty level of replacing a starter...
I would like to replace my starter (1977 manual) in the near future.
The wiring looks simple... but what about the alignment of the starter?
My repair manual gives only four steps - is it that easy?
Remove the two bolts, replace the same amount of shims and re-bolt.
Never having done one of these... will an amateur run into issues with alignment? (driveway mechanic... laying on my back)
Experience tells me that there is more to it.... can it by that easy?
The wiring looks simple... but what about the alignment of the starter?
My repair manual gives only four steps - is it that easy?
Remove the two bolts, replace the same amount of shims and re-bolt.
Never having done one of these... will an amateur run into issues with alignment? (driveway mechanic... laying on my back)
Experience tells me that there is more to it.... can it by that easy?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,696
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
It's pretty much as easy as it looks. Make sure that you disconnect the battery before you start. More times than not, using the shims that are in there now, if any, should work fine.
Why do you think the starter needs replacing?
Why do you think the starter needs replacing?
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,363
Likes: 5,243
From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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It's simple. I did the starter on my 68 Big Block last year. It had no shims. It's alot easier if you have access to a lift and can stand up.
If you have never done one, it's always a good idea to take a digital photo of the area before you remove it and label the wires so everything goes back in where it belongs. Just do it
If you have never done one, it's always a good idea to take a digital photo of the area before you remove it and label the wires so everything goes back in where it belongs. Just do it
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: Chapel Hill NC
I live dangerously - as the 77 corvette is my only car and of course - my daily driver. So my repair work is done while keeping the car on the road.
I am experiencing the reality of "if it can happen it will"... and always on the side of the road.
There is close to nothing I have not fixed or replaced in the past 6 months... and truthfully the car is running superbly!!
But I keep a spare of everything in the back (alternator, belts, hoses, plugs... and soon to be a starter).
Just wanted to make sure this repair could be handled by a shade-tree... or I would have my local shop put it in when the time comes.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 596
Likes: 6
From: Irving Texas
I always buy my starters at Autozone with a warranty. If you look in the box carefully, there's a 4 inch thin metal pole.
The function of the pole is to place between the starter teeth and the flywheel teeth and determine the proper spacing.
I always read the instructions........many months AFTER installation!
The function of the pole is to place between the starter teeth and the flywheel teeth and determine the proper spacing.
I always read the instructions........many months AFTER installation!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
I've done mine several times on my back in the garage. The way I do it, I unbolt the starter bolts, and lower it down on a 4x4 block with the wires still attached. (the 4x4 block keeps it high enough off the floor that the wires will reach). then, just take the wiring loose, and reverse. Very easy to do, but if you're concerned, take a picture how the wiring is hooked up before you disconnect from the old starter.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 14
From: Dallas-Fort Worth TX
Not hard, just more of a tight area. I have headers now and It looks to me, like its going to be tight if I ever have to remove mine with headers on.
You back end is going to start to drop. Do not slam on the brakes with all those parts back there. LOL.
Orielly has rebuilt ones with a lifetime warranty. I think for about $50 or so.
You back end is going to start to drop. Do not slam on the brakes with all those parts back there. LOL.
Orielly has rebuilt ones with a lifetime warranty. I think for about $50 or so.
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Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
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If it's any comfort, starters rarely go out suddenly. They'll start to crank slow or it'll take a few hits on the ignition before they catch. When it gets bad enough, you can usually whack them with a hammer to get some temporary contact with the brushes.
