Starter removal and re-installation tricks/tips

[sehovarter]

OK - so I am working to get my starter out, so I can fix my leaking steering box. I have fairly easy access to the 2 bolts on the bottom, and am working the top bolt that is close to the block and against the firewall. one small turn at a time - it is coming out - but I have 2 concerns: (1) at some point my wrench won't fit as the bolt head is going to be too far back inside the tranny cowl - what then? (2) how the hell do you get this bolt back in and started?? there has to be a trick? clearly Italian mechanics had small contortionist hands - or all this work is typically done easily when the engine is OUT OF THE CAR! any help would be appreciated - I am think I might take a break and look for guidance before I get too far into the removal process!

[sehovarter]

BTW - this is a 79 spider - my starter is bigger that what I saw in a previous post on how to remove a starter - if that matters any!

[fiat218]

Long extension's and swivel .put the socket on the bolt and turn it off
U have to be under the car
Piece of cake

[garion]

I just did this recently on my 79... I used:

2 foot long extenstions.
1 Universal joint

Order of connecting those together is: the socket, the universal, the 2 extensions, then the wrench.

I went under the car from the front, and by some miracle, was able to get my left hand up along side the tranny, where I could touch the head of the bolt.. Then I used my right hand to get the socket on there. I knew I was close when I could feel it with my left hand. Once on, I didn't let it off till the bolt fell out.

I think when I go to install the starter, I *might* be able to get it started from up top..

[fiat218]

I just did this recently on my 79... I used:

2 foot long extenstions.
1 Universal joint

Order of connecting those together is: the socket, the universal, the 2 extensions, then the wrench.

I went under the car from the front, and by some miracle, was able to get my left hand up along side the tranny, where I could touch the head of the bolt.. Then I used my right hand to get the socket on there. I knew I was close when I could feel it with my left hand. Once on, I didn't let it off till the bolt fell out.

I think when I go to install the starter, I *might* be able to get it started from up top..

I said that

[RRoller123]

Didn't Brad A. say that he pulls the intake and takes it out from the top?

[fiat218]

Didn't Brad A. say that he pulls the intake and takes it out from the top?

Mine came out from the top, I did not remove nothing

[V12StealthHunter]

I took mine out (original starter) from underneath between the center link and the front subframe. You need to turn the wheels to the right to get enough clearance. And then a lot of wiggling to get it out.

[ScoopMan]

I just drove mine up on ramps, so the wheels are straight. Took a look from the bottom and the top and it looks like a PITA either way.

If I try from the bottom I had better use jack stands then, so I can turn the wheel.

[Exit98]

Here's a helpful link: http://fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php ... &sk=t&sd=a

Having someone on top guiding the universal socket onto the hidden bolt is real handy. Same with putting it back.

[ScoopMan]

Yup, I read that, thanks. Starter replacement is usually one of the easier jobs with most cars. But not this one!

[paintdudeluke]

Just did a starter swap today on my 80'. 1 1/2 hrs. I found it helpful to pull the speedo cable from the trans for a little clearance and pulled the driver motor mt nut so I could jack the engine up a couple inches. I used a few different wrenches, various ratchets, and pulled all the bolts from the bottom, pulled the starter up from the top. PITA yes, but not too bad with a tool boy around. BTW, my swivels were in my tool box at work or it would have been way easier. A couple swivels and a few ext would have make it cake. Tip: Lube up all your bolts before you reinstall, makes em finger in real easy then you only need a few turns with tools.

[Jimb]

Removing and reinstalling the starter was a piece of cake compared to finding a route out of the engine bay with the old starter once it was off. I had to fish it towards the front, between the oil filter and supercharger, and only when twisted in the right way.
Man that engine bay is tight! Perhaps it's not as tight on a normally aspirated fiat.
Jim

[RRoller123]

Interesting. Thought I would corroborate the 1.5 hour estimate for the job. I just had a gear reduction starter (from AR) put in my 80FI today, by my local mechanic, and the charge was 1.5 hours labor. He said it was no real problem, he just used the combination of 13mm wobble socket and the various extensions that are regularly discussed. Said he didn't pull any cables/supports etc. to get it out. I did notice that he taped up the wobble socket to get it to hold at the right orientation to engage the top bolt. Glad I didn't try it myself, personally, I can't see doing it myself without a lift for that amount of money. BTW, The reduction in weight is amazing with the gear reduction unit!

[SoFlaFiat]

Jim,
I've never seen a volumex in person but judging by your pictures, I think your engine bay is much more crowded! But! Having the volumex must be worth the extra aggregation when removing the starter!