vincer77

I need any suggestions for accessing the top bolt of the starter. I cannot get my hand over the top of the transmission. Anyone have any secrets? Would it help to loosen the rear motor mounts to give me some additional room over the top?

NC TRACKRAT

Have you read here?: http://www.pcarworkshop.com/index.ph...er_Replacement

vincer77

Yes. Another writeup I read said don't attempt if you have big arms. I hope that isn't the end of the story.

Another question is that the diy refers to needing a he bit to loosen starter bolts. Mine has a regular hex nut on the lower bolt. Is it safe to assume that I also have a hex nut on top? I have not been able to see it or feel it.

IainM

I had the parts catalog open,

Parts 15-17 are qty 2:

NC TRACKRAT

They should be hex socket head bolts M10x35. If someone has replaced the lower with a hex bolt, then they may well have done the same with the upper. Try a mirror and a good flashlight to try and see what you've got.

Ed Hughes

You have to be able to hug your trans.....it's tight no matter how big your arms are. The longer, the better.

Kein_Ersatz

Like many things in life, it can be done with the proper extensions ...

https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...idding-me.html

YMMV

nine9six

LoL

vincer77

Thanks for the help. I undid the engine mount bolts and dropped the engine a couple inches. I also was able to use an inspection mirror to verify that there indeed was a hex socket nut on the upper stud. I was now able to get both hands over the Trans and could feel the nut with left hand and inserted the socket with right, then attached wrench.

An extended nut by Rennsport! Too late.

The Pcar workshop write up is excellent. I would only add to loosen engine mounts and drop the engine. I also found it easier to remove the drive shaft flange bolts from underneath. The other method might be better with a lift and impact wrench.

This job was definitely a bitch.

And in case anyone wants to give their wife a scare. Fire up the engine without the manifolds on! I was also doing the SAI flush and had the manifolds off but wanted to test the starter before buttoning it up. The MAF was disconnected so I did not think the engne would fire. Wow what a sound!

e9stibi

Good job. When I did it on my C4S (space even tighter I think), the previous owner replaced the top bolt which was not Hex anymore. It took me a while to figure this out ...

vincer77

Ok. So after I completed the starter replacement, finished the oil change and SAI flush, I am cleaning up and putting the old starter into the box the new one came in. In the paper packing, I find a little bag with a small bushing and a card reading "This bushing must be installed...."

Did I screw up? Did I need to install the bushing on the end of the starter motor shaft before installing it in the car? What is the problem if it is not there?

nsully

Congrats on the R&R of the starter.
I believe you should remove the starter and install the new bush.
That said,
Look at the old starter and check to see if by chance the bush is on the end of the shaft.
If so, you must pull the new starter and install the bush.
If not, you are still dealing with an unknown. The old bush could be sitting snug in the bell housing, or it could have come out and dropped down to the bottom.

Just think how fast it will go the 2nd time around...

Good Luck,
Neil

vincer77

That will give me a chance to install the extended nut for the third time.

Actually, good call. The old starter shaft does not have a bushing on it. It is a pretty snug fit.

Seeing that the lower nut was replaced, and that no bushing came with the starter, I wonder if this has been replaced before.

Well well well.

On the bright side, the new starter sure cranks fast!