Starter install kerfuffle
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 47
Likes: 3
Starter install kerfuffle
Hello All!
I’ve recently gotten myself in a pickle while reinstalling my starter on my 1986… My solenoid recently gave out so i decided to get a new one because the job didn’t seem too bad. I went through the routine of disconnecting the wires and taking the starter out, which was fairly easy! But then… when it was time to put the starter back, I just couldn’t get it back up onto the block! I see myself as a rather strong guy but this thing is pretty heavy! (doesn’t help that there’s not a lot of room to work with under the car…). I’ve zip tied my trans lines so they don’t get in the way but i still can’t maneuver the starter up in time before my arms give up. I tried jacking the starter up but there isn’t enough clearance to fit the jack under the starter… Has anyone else gone through this? If so, any tips on how to get this darn thing back on the block would be beyond helpful! I’m losing my marbles with what seemed like a quick job!
I’ve recently gotten myself in a pickle while reinstalling my starter on my 1986… My solenoid recently gave out so i decided to get a new one because the job didn’t seem too bad. I went through the routine of disconnecting the wires and taking the starter out, which was fairly easy! But then… when it was time to put the starter back, I just couldn’t get it back up onto the block! I see myself as a rather strong guy but this thing is pretty heavy! (doesn’t help that there’s not a lot of room to work with under the car…). I’ve zip tied my trans lines so they don’t get in the way but i still can’t maneuver the starter up in time before my arms give up. I tried jacking the starter up but there isn’t enough clearance to fit the jack under the starter… Has anyone else gone through this? If so, any tips on how to get this darn thing back on the block would be beyond helpful! I’m losing my marbles with what seemed like a quick job!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2,256
Likes: 3,082
From: So Cal
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Obtain a 3/8-16 bolt about 1/2" longer than the starter bolts. Cut the head off and cut a slot in the end of the bolt. Install the "guide stud" in either bolt hole that makes sense. Push the starter up aligned on the guide bolt and install the other bolt. Use the slot in the guide bolt to extract it. Then install the second bolt.
Just an idea.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 47
Likes: 3
It sounds like you're holding the starter up with one hand, and attempting to get a bolt in with the other. You can't get a bolt lined up and started before your arm gives out. Make a guide bolt that aligns the starter with the block, so the bolt lines right up. No futzing holding it up.
Obtain a 3/8-16 bolt about 1/2" longer than the starter bolts. Cut the head off and cut a slot in the end of the bolt. Install the "guide stud" in either bolt hole that makes sense. Push the starter up aligned on the guide bolt and install the other bolt. Use the slot in the guide bolt to extract it. Then install the second bolt.
Just an idea.
Obtain a 3/8-16 bolt about 1/2" longer than the starter bolts. Cut the head off and cut a slot in the end of the bolt. Install the "guide stud" in either bolt hole that makes sense. Push the starter up aligned on the guide bolt and install the other bolt. Use the slot in the guide bolt to extract it. Then install the second bolt.
Just an idea.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,189
Likes: 830
From: Chapel Hill NC
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I recently had the starter in and out few times on my 96 LT4 recently. Im old and weak and the starter is heavy and placement is awkward. I used two hands to get it in place and then held it with one hand until i got one bolt started. Had the bolt on my chest for easy access. Definitely did it early in the day before my age caught up with me. I will try IHBD's idea if there is a next time. Most of my other cars have mini starter which weigh a lot less.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 336
Likes: 93
From: San Antonio TX
I've definitely had to modify my technique as I've gotten older. Plus, where I used to work under the car with little clearance, I now use a Quick Jack and good creeper, Work smarter, not harder...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2,256
Likes: 3,082
From: So Cal
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I don't think guide bolts will work on a manual transmission because the nose of the starter protrudes into the bell housing. You can't push the starter straight-up, it has to first be inserted into the bellhousing, then pushed up to the block.
Another observation is that the OP has a 1986. This year has the old-school direct drive Delco starter that is massive in size. IIRC these starters have a 3" ish metal brace from the forward end of the starter to the block. Loosen the fastener at the block so the brace is free to swing. Put the starter up in place and hook the brace on its stud on the starter. Now a bunch of weight of the starter is hanging on the brace, you're not holding the entire weight up while you get a bolt started. Your arm will last longer.
Another observation is that the OP has a 1986. This year has the old-school direct drive Delco starter that is massive in size. IIRC these starters have a 3" ish metal brace from the forward end of the starter to the block. Loosen the fastener at the block so the brace is free to swing. Put the starter up in place and hook the brace on its stud on the starter. Now a bunch of weight of the starter is hanging on the brace, you're not holding the entire weight up while you get a bolt started. Your arm will last longer.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,759
Likes: 1,647
From: Fairfax Virginia
There are many aftermarket gear-drive starters out there today. I used one and it was shocking the difference in size and weight. Part is the gear-drive and the other is the newer permanent magnets that make the starters smaller and more compact. The permanent magnet motors also use a fraction of the power that the original big factory starters were known for.
I have a 1988 C4 Coupe with the smaller starter and I agree the newer smaller starters are the way to go. On my high compression 427 in a C3 I have a gear drive to crank over the engine when it gets warm. The smaller size and power make them work well in virtually any car.
I have a 1988 C4 Coupe with the smaller starter and I agree the newer smaller starters are the way to go. On my high compression 427 in a C3 I have a gear drive to crank over the engine when it gets warm. The smaller size and power make them work well in virtually any car.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 901
Likes: 227
From: Tampa, FL
I think the only reason to keep one of the old big starters is if you're trying to keep it totally original, or it's a cost issue.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
Here’s my starter tip. I bought one of those 4 inch magnetic bowls that hold screws nuts etc. I attach it upside down near the starter area and put the bolts in that. That way I don’t have to try and find them on the ground or on my chest area
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 940
Likes: 169
Hello All!
I’ve recently gotten myself in a pickle while reinstalling my starter on my 1986… My solenoid recently gave out so i decided to get a new one because the job didn’t seem too bad. I went through the routine of disconnecting the wires and taking the starter out, which was fairly easy! But then… when it was time to put the starter back, I just couldn’t get it back up onto the block! I see myself as a rather strong guy but this thing is pretty heavy! (doesn’t help that there’s not a lot of room to work with under the car…). I’ve zip tied my trans lines so they don’t get in the way but i still can’t maneuver the starter up in time before my arms give up. I tried jacking the starter up but there isn’t enough clearance to fit the jack under the starter… Has anyone else gone through this? If so, any tips on how to get this darn thing back on the block would be beyond helpful! I’m losing my marbles with what seemed like a quick job!
I’ve recently gotten myself in a pickle while reinstalling my starter on my 1986… My solenoid recently gave out so i decided to get a new one because the job didn’t seem too bad. I went through the routine of disconnecting the wires and taking the starter out, which was fairly easy! But then… when it was time to put the starter back, I just couldn’t get it back up onto the block! I see myself as a rather strong guy but this thing is pretty heavy! (doesn’t help that there’s not a lot of room to work with under the car…). I’ve zip tied my trans lines so they don’t get in the way but i still can’t maneuver the starter up in time before my arms give up. I tried jacking the starter up but there isn’t enough clearance to fit the jack under the starter… Has anyone else gone through this? If so, any tips on how to get this darn thing back on the block would be beyond helpful! I’m losing my marbles with what seemed like a quick job!