Starter

[katsi]

PLEASE, does anyone know if it is even possible to remove the starter for a 79 without pulling the motor and transmission? I worked on it all weekend and I could not get to those 3 bolts holding it on.

I have always had a problem with the starter not catching and just kinda getting a grinding noise 4 or 5 times befor it catches and turns over (it's intermittant and happens cold and hot - sometimes yes sometimes no but more often than not). So now that I have the manifold off, I thought it would be a great time to work on the starter issue. FIRST, I cleaned all the contacts really well and tried it but still the same grind befor catching. Then, I replaced the selonoid, hopeing that was the problem, but I am still getting the grinding. So, I have a good tested starter and just want to pop it in but I can not get the old one off.

Any advice on how to go about this would be appreciated. Any tools I should get?

Please help.

[mdrburchette]

It's possible to remove the starter without removing the engine and tranny. You will need some long extensions and a wobbly doohickey so you can reach that top bellhousing bolt. I had a problem pulling the starter from the bottom, but many people say you can move the steering wheel to make room for it to drop out of the bottom. I ended up removing the fuel pump to pull it out from the top. I hope I never have to do it again, but next time I'll try moving the steering to see if it comes out of the bottom.

[So Cal Mark]

they come out the bottom, but only after the mounting bolts have been removed

[mbouse]

i've never tried this, but it sure looks like a "great" way to go. i hope never to have to pull a starter, but saying that... i bet i just sealed my fate.

since you are now experienced.... i am suggesting it to you as a possibility as well.

pull the intake manifold. then attack the starter.

[katsi]

Yes, the manifold is out. I can get to the starter and I can feel the bolts. I just can't get to them from underneith. I can't seem to be able to reach the bolts with anything.

[mbouse]

ahh... that is what we have small children for!! not only are they good for under the dash work, they can reach those tight to fit spots like starter bolts.

if you need to borrow a small child, just holler!

[kilrwail]

You need a flex head 3/8" socket wrench, that pivots 90 degrees from normal.

[tonyfromjersey]

You need a flex head 3/8" socket wrench, that pivots 90 degrees from normal.

And patience.

I've done it twice, first one was a cheapo reconditioned starter that came with the car, and lasted 3 months. Second one was a rebuilt, but I should have gone with the gear reduction starter, just for the size and weight when getting it in place. Worst job I've done on the car to date.

[So Cal Mark]

13mm swivel socket, long extension, 3/8 ratchet, piece of cake (when the car is on a lift)

[spiderrey]

I put the gear reduction starter in, 10lbs less and easier to install due to smaller size. Went thru 2 different starters before this and they didnt turn my modded motor over very well.

[00sportsman]

This is actually the problem that I had that led me to this forum. I had the same issue getting that last bolt out, and ended up using a universal joint and probably 24" of extensions. I had the rachet way back by the transmission tailshaft, and ran the extensions over the top of the transmission. I have an automatic, and don't know if there are any issues with the linkages from a standard. It wasn't easy, but it did come out. I ended up disconnecting one of the steering links to drop it out the bottom, but I was pretty impatient by then and didn't spend a lot of time fighting to drop it out.

All I can tell you for sure is that it can be done.

[spiderrey]

When I had my 79 automatic and I needed to pull the starter, it was a b@#$h. I ended up buying a sidewinder wrench. That thing is great.