New Starter?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 732
Likes: 2
From: Baxter MN
New Starter?
Hi Friends,
My starter may be going south. How difficult is it to replace? I am an "average" mechanic with a fair set of tools. I can disconnect the battery and all that. But before I tear into this job I just want to be sure I don't have to drop the transmission or anything else equally challenging. TIA.
Glen
P.S. Anyne have any strong feelings about aftermarket starters that may be better than GM?
My starter may be going south. How difficult is it to replace? I am an "average" mechanic with a fair set of tools. I can disconnect the battery and all that. But before I tear into this job I just want to be sure I don't have to drop the transmission or anything else equally challenging. TIA.
Glen
P.S. Anyne have any strong feelings about aftermarket starters that may be better than GM?
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,455
Likes: 2
From: East TN
I just put in some headers last week and also removed the starter to drop the oil pan for a new gasket. It took about 30 seconds on my A4 to remove the starter, theres only 2 bolts holding it in. I've heard that if you replace the starter you might have to use shims so the gears match up right with the flywheel. You put a paper clip in between the gears to measure distance and adust with shims accordingly if needed (after removing the flywheel cover). I did have a kwik lift though, not sure how easy it is to get under there with floor jacks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,032
Likes: 4
You didnt say what year you had...
For my '85, it was messy, but not too difficult:
However I ran into trouble with the wiring, before you unplug stuff, make a mental note of where it came from.
I considered an aftermarket, high-torque starter, but for my application- the extra cost wasn't justified.
For my '85, it was messy, but not too difficult:
However I ran into trouble with the wiring, before you unplug stuff, make a mental note of where it came from.
I considered an aftermarket, high-torque starter, but for my application- the extra cost wasn't justified.
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 28
From: Woodbridge NJ
Secure the car before going under, this is first and foremost. Two 9/16" bolts hold the starter to the block, one 9/16" nut holds the starter cable, ( disconnect the battery or you will see fireworks), and one 11/32" nut for the solenoid wire.
"I" disconnect the connectors and drop the starter, upon installing I get a "mini" jack and raise the starter into place. Keep in mind you my need shims after the new starter is installed. Good luck
"I" disconnect the connectors and drop the starter, upon installing I get a "mini" jack and raise the starter into place. Keep in mind you my need shims after the new starter is installed. Good luck
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 732
Likes: 2
From: Baxter MN
Thank you. I have a lift so getting under the car should not be a problem. Appreciate the info about the shims - I presume that a new unit will come with any needed shims.
Thanks again.
Glen
Thanks again.
Glen
