Later Starter on Earlier Motor
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,037
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From: Sarasota FL
Later Starter on Earlier Motor
A couple years ago, I tried to swap my 87 starter with the later L98 mini starter. It didn't work for me because I couldn't get the teeth to align. It is possible the Discount Auto Parts guy gave me the wrong starter, but I abandoned the project.
I want to try it again. I remember some wires were too short also. Does anyone who's made the swap want to let me know what else to look out for? Thanks
I want to try it again. I remember some wires were too short also. Does anyone who's made the swap want to let me know what else to look out for? Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Originally Posted by Aaron's 87
A couple years ago, I tried to swap my 87 starter with the later L98 mini starter. It didn't work for me because I couldn't get the teeth to align. It is possible the Discount Auto Parts guy gave me the wrong starter, but I abandoned the project.
I want to try it again. I remember some wires were too short also. Does anyone who's made the swap want to let me know what else to look out for? Thanks
I want to try it again. I remember some wires were too short also. Does anyone who's made the swap want to let me know what else to look out for? Thanks
Depending on which way the starter teeth need to be move, you move them closer or farther away from the flexplate teeth. You can also install a washer under just one of the starter bolts to give you even more adjustments.
There's a way to cause the solenoid to kick out the drive with the starter actually spinning the engine so the gap can be measured. Has to do with applying 12V to one of the starter solenoid terminals.
I forgot which one though, it's been a long time since I did it. Maybe someone can post the procedure for you.
Jake
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,037
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From: Sarasota FL
Hmmm
My attempt needed more than shims, which makes me think the parts guy gave me the wrong starter.
Wires were also short when I tried - wouldn't reach the new terminals. I guess I'll just have to try again.
My attempt needed more than shims, which makes me think the parts guy gave me the wrong starter.
Wires were also short when I tried - wouldn't reach the new terminals. I guess I'll just have to try again.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Originally Posted by Aaron's 87
Hmmm
My attempt needed more than shims, which makes me think the parts guy gave me the wrong starter.
Wires were also short when I tried - wouldn't reach the new terminals. I guess I'll just have to try again.
My attempt needed more than shims, which makes me think the parts guy gave me the wrong starter.
Wires were also short when I tried - wouldn't reach the new terminals. I guess I'll just have to try again.
The wire situation is puzzling since both starters are in the same location. Did you try re-routing them?
How much too short are they?
Jake
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,037
Likes: 0
From: Sarasota FL
Trying to remember from a couple years ago - I think the battery cable was the furthest from fitting because I checked into getting a salvaged battery cable from a newer car. It was only 3 to 6 inches off. There was no way at the time to re-route the cable or make any slack to get it to fit. Althought the starter mounted in the same location, the terminals were a few inches away from where they started because the newer starter was so much smaller.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,384
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From: Boston, MA
I put a starter from a 1990 6-Speed starter into my 1987 4+3. It fit perfect, the only issue is that the wire terminals were way out of reach. I had to lengthen all 3 wires to make it work, but it works great.
