Starter Issue Part 2

[tonyfromjersey]

OK, I have isolated the problem in my previous post to the starter. I bought a rebuilt starter, and it's sitting right here. I started to remove the old one and have run into a little snag. How does one physically remove the starter from the engine compartment? I can't seem to find a hole big enough. Do I disconnect the steering rods under the car and drop it out that way? I pretty well smashed up all my fingers trying to turn it every which way to no avail.

My free mechanic was a no-show yesterday. These guys who work for beer are pretty unreliable.

[lanciahf]

Tony,

The starter comes out from up top towards the front of the car. Not sure of your year but you might have to remove the alternator or fuel pump.

Ralph
Lawrenceville, NJ

[tonyfromjersey]

I think the fuel pump must go, then and probably move the alternator to the side.

I see you're in Lawrenceville. I'm in Chesterfield, just east of Bordentown. Do you know of a good body shop? Also looking for a mechanic who might know how to work on my car. I found one guy, but he wants to do a ground up restoration, I just want to have a fun weekend driver.

Tony

[So Cal Mark]

I've never removed a starter from the top. I always drop them out the bottom without removing the center link. It's tricky but the starter barely fits when turned the right way.
As an aside, that was one of the reasons for developing the small gear reduction starter to replace the oem unit

[tonyfromjersey]

I gave serious thought to the gear reduction starter, but have a lot of money to spend this winter on bodywork, etc. It seems like it would fit out the bottom, but I have a few smashed fingers that say otherwise. I also considered removing the center link, but that seems risky. Is there anything other than remove and replace involved with that? I don't want to make things any more complex than they have already become.

[lanciahf]

Tony,

I know a really good body man that works out of his house. He did my car last year for a great price. I stripped the car of all trim, lights etc and drove it to his place. He lives near Flemington NJ.

Mechanical work I do all my self, if you need anything I might be able to help. Other wise there is a honest mechanic in Ewing NJ, Darios Foreign cars.

Take care,
Ralph

[mdrburchette]

It may help to move the wheels in a different position to get the starter out from the bottom. My alt is on the right side of the engine so I pulled the fuel pump to get the starter out from the top.

[lanciahf]

Tony if you get the car running you should come to the Bucks County Covered bridge Tour,

http://home.comcast.net/~ralphone/FLU_B ... _Tour3.htm

[tonyfromjersey]

Finally back up and running. All I need now is a reasonable body shop guy. I definitely recommend removing the fuel pump, it makes getting hands in there a lot easier. Also I refreshed some fuel lines while I was at it.

BTW the rebuilt starter came from Rock Auto, they were a lot cheaper than Bruce's or International Auto and it is a rebuilt not reconditioned.

[mbouse]

If you follow mark's advice and drop the starter out the bottom, be sure not to drop it on your head.

we all know what that can lead to

[So Cal Mark]

unfettered use of crackle paint?

[tonyfromjersey]

The starter came out the bottom as advertised, but went back in through the top. I decided not to battle gravity and risk losing my teeth as the thing almost came down on me twice as I tried to wrestle it up from the bottom. Anyway, it's done, and now I fully understand the 8lb. starter that Mark sells.

Anyone know a good, inexpensive body shop in New Jersey or Eastern PA?