Starter Replacement Question

[dsnyder]

My starter began to make a funny noise. It still starts the car but the engine turns slow and there is a different sound. How hard is starter replacement? It seems to be in a tough spot. I have a 1978 Spider with Air Conditioning. Is replacement done from underneath the car or above?

Thanks in advance.

Dave

[narfire]

Done from underneath.
For all the replacement/repair evolutions one can do with this car, I'd guess the starter replacement is one of the ones least looked forward to.
One should have a look at the/a manual but one does need some long extensions to get at the nuts for the starter. You'll find the transmision bell housing kinda in the way thats why the loooong extensions.(close to 3-feet I think would work with a universal)
If you hav'nt done so, spray some gunk/engine cleaner down there first and rinse, clean makes things easier when doing alot by feel. Disconect the battery obviously first.
I'd guess at least one unit of installation fluid anyway would be needed,real cold of course.

[tonyfromjersey]

I've done it twice. It's a real pain, but it's okay. I also got a "shorty" 13mm ratcheting open end wrench from Sears. I found it helpful in getting the bolts started. Good luck.

When you get the starter loose, you will probably have to turn the steering wheel in one direction to move enough components out of the way to then drop the starter out of the bottom of the car.

[NJFIAT1981]

Hey Narfire,
I hate to disagree with you but I believe that this is a Two installation fluid job. One for disassembly and one for actual installation. I also believe that a smattering of curse words need to be muttered under ones breath (In italian of course).

[narfire]

I hate to disagree with you but I believe that this is a Two installation fluid job

I stand corrected

[mkassing]

I had to replace the engine in my 1980 when I got it. After wasting a month trying to get at several of the bolts with no success (I could not get a good turn on it) I gave in to my wild side and zipped a small hole right through my fire wall. Capped it with a nice rubber cover and now I no longer fear the starter!!

I'm just saying.......

[dsnyder]

I am fascinated by your suggestion to cut out an access hole to get at the starter bolts. Where should I cut the hole, how big should I make it and where could I get the rubber plug you mention?

[BEEK]

use a 24" extension and a deep swivel socket. easy ! can have the starter our in 10 min or less. and then enjoy much installation fluid..

[So Cal Mark]

a long extension and swivel socket is all that is needed. Installation is sure a lot easier with the lightweigh reduction starter

[kmead]

a long extension and swivel socket is all that is needed. Installation is sure a lot easier with the lightweigh reduction starter

Speaking of selling.
Are you also the person who sells the somewhat less expensive lightweight starter for 850 on eBay?

[So Cal Mark]

I do have the 850 starters, but they are more expensive than the 124/131 starter

[dsnyder]

Mark, I just ordered the lightweight starter from you along with your universal carb linkage kit. Is your starter really easier to install? My car has air conditining so there is zero access from above on the driver's side.

Dave

[dsnyder]

I finished the starter installation and let me tell you, it was so much easier to put in the lightweight starter from Mark!!! I don't think I could have gotten the original back in there without major issues. I even got all three bolts in! Hooked up the wires and it turned over nice and fast and started right up. Thanks for all the help.

Dave