How long to replace starter?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2012
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How long to replace starter?
Looks like my starter is finally gone. Would randomly not start last year and when it happened this week no amount of jiggling wires or hitting with mallet will make it work, jump starts down the driveway no problem so I'm pretty sure it's the starter. When it works it cranks up easily so battery isn't an issue either.
Anyway, mine is a stock C5Z, about how long should it take your average mechanic to swap one in with the car up on jack stands?
Anyway, mine is a stock C5Z, about how long should it take your average mechanic to swap one in with the car up on jack stands?
Team Owner
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From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
I'd say from an hour to two, it depends upon how long it takes for you to raise the vehicle and how much trouble you have with the exhaust.
I'd probably plan for replacing the gaskets at the back of the X pipe at the same time.
I'd probably plan for replacing the gaskets at the back of the X pipe at the same time.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Fullerton CA.
I just had mine replaced (c5) on tues., its an hour for a mechanic. You have to disconnect the exhaust from manifold to muffler (mid section) then very easy to access. Let your mechanic know about the exhaust removal, & maybe save some time and money.
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
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2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
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do yourself a favor and get a truck starter so you are at less of a risk at breaking the ear off the block... I used a bosch sr8581n and it also comes with the longer bolt needed to bolt up to our cars
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OK, so probably 2hrs working on your back. What's the deal with the truck starter and breaking the ear off. The part locally I've found is an AC Delco 3361922A. Do they all come with the longer bolt and if not can I just reuse my existing one? Thanks all!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: South Dakota
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...k-starter.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...the-block.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-possible.html
Good luck.
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Team Owner
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From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
I just replaced mine with an AC Delco starter a couple weeks ago (best thing I've done to the car honestly). I bought the recommended starter and used the original bolts. I figure it lasted 100K miles as is, it's good for another 100K... 
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: South Western Ontario
Be careful with the nuts at the manifolds or else you can break the studs off. If they don't want to turn then use some heat on them. Otherwise, you need careful application of heat to the manifold ears to get the remaining stud out so it can be replaced.
Why not buy the Bosch? It's brand new and cheaper.
Why not buy the Bosch? It's brand new and cheaper.
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
And no, it isn't.That number you have is for a rebuilt starter and will cost you more than the (better) Bosch unit mentioned in post #5, which is 100% NEW.
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Thanks guys, I'm in Canada-land so my options are sadly limited whcih is why I quoted the AC Delco unit which btw is $197. That said I think I'm NOT going to rush the install and order the Bosch unit from the US and just wait it out. Found it on Amazon for $112 with free shipping and I see from above it will come with the long bolts.
Trust me, I'm the kind of guy who likes to do it right the first time.
Trust me, I'm the kind of guy who likes to do it right the first time.
Team Owner
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Btw, that "glamour shot" (yes, that's what they're called) of the Bosch starter used by Amazon, is NOT an SR8581N, but rather a generic original style LS starter. IOW, a "stock" photo. Here's what it ACTUALLY looks like:
Btw, anyone notice anything strange about that long bolt that comes with the starter?
Last edited by LoneStarFRC; May 14, 2015 at 08:45 PM.
Team Owner
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Not a huge deal, but still funny.
Probably the result of some little eager beaver production assistant at the studio that day when the product photos were being made. 
Team Owner
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From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
Well, no the knurling on a portion of starter bolt shanks is actually very common. What's funny about the bolt is, it's inserted into the starter the wrong way.
Not a huge deal, but still funny. Probably the result of some little eager beaver production assistant at the studio that day when the product photos were being made.
Not a huge deal, but still funny.
Probably the result of some little eager beaver production assistant at the studio that day when the product photos were being made. 