Starter replacement - question on removing it
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,166
Likes: 14
From: Orlando Fl
Starter replacement - question on removing it
I need to replace my starter and it appears the exhaust is in the way wedging in the starter but only by about 1/4 of an inch... It's not much but enough that I am out of wiggle room. Do I have to drop that section of the exhaust to remove and replace the starter?? I started to loosen both the bolts up on the passenger side head and initially both (bolts) started to turn fine but then, in both cases, seemed to turn but with noticeably more resistance. I didnt turn either bolt much, maybe 1/2 turn TOTAL for fear that these were either reverse threads or that the bolts themselves were spot welded up on top and I didnt want to break that weld. So, figured I better get details from 'those in the know' first...
Last edited by webdzynes; Feb 3, 2014 at 05:43 PM.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 254
Likes: 1
From: Midland TX
It all just depends on the exhaust setup you have, some headers fit differently than others and some make it very hard to get to anything trapped behind them. I have LG long tubes and when I did my starter removal/replacement I was able to remove it fairly easily without removing anything else. It was a little tight and I had to turn the starter in different directions trying to wiggle it out, but I was able to remove it and reinstall without touching anything else on the car.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,166
Likes: 14
From: Orlando Fl
It all just depends on the exhaust setup you have, some headers fit differently than others and some make it very hard to get to anything trapped behind them. I have LG long tubes and when I did my starter removal/replacement I was able to remove it fairly easily without removing anything else. It was a little tight and I had to turn the starter in different directions trying to wiggle it out, but I was able to remove it and reinstall without touching anything else on the car.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 254
Likes: 1
From: Midland TX
I am not positive on the stock system, I added headers almost immediately after buying the car. With that said, I do believe you need to lower the mid-pipe to get the starter out. If I remember correctly the area where the stock cats are is blocking the starter from being removed. Even if it does require you to drop the mid-pipe to get to it, it should only add an extra 30 minutes or so to the job to unbolt/bolt it back up. Someone else may pop in and say it is doable without touching the exhaust, I am not 100% it is necessary.
