Another Starter Replacement doityourself

[shadowpuck]

Based on information found here on the mafia, i've started the process of r&r on the starter on my zhp.

GTI's thread here is serving as my inspiration......LINK

Interestingly, I do not seem to have the canister noted in that thread.....
here's a few pics.....





I also have a leak to track down as well.......





So, off to the store to pick up some more extensions, wobblies, and attitude adjustment beverages.....

[shadowpuck]

been working on this off and on when i have time outside of work.....

wow, how did you guys get this done?
i've got the lower bolt off now - that wasn't too bad.
can't find any way to get to that top bolt, though. from up top, i can get a wrench on it but no leverage.
from below, i can't even see or feel the top bolt to get the socket on it.

[Mtnman]

From what I see, looks like pwr steering lines with fluid leak. Very common. Mine do the same thing. Most likely from the connection with the reservoir, or the reservoir itself leaking out of the cap.

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[shadowpuck]

yeah, already replaced the o-ring at the top of the reservoir.....
as to the leak - i'm guessing either power steering or an oil leak from up higher.....

had the same issue in my e36 - first replaced the band clamps and that fixed it for a few years. started leaking again, replaced hoses, reservoir and that has fixed the problem for awhile.....

at the moment, my goal is figuring out this damn starter......

[Mtnman]

10-4...if I had advice for that, I would have posted it! Lol. Good luck.

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[shadowpuck]

LOL! no problem.....

[danewilson77]

10-4...if I had advice for that, I would have posted it! Lol. Good luck.

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Lol. Are you following the DIY posted here. I remember reading it, and thinking it was well written.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[shadowpuck]

yup, that shows me its possible - just haven't figured out the trick yet.....
big issue for me is i can't see the top bolt from below - so difficult to position the socket.
have to figure out something on that.

[shadowpuck]

well, i've made some progress over the last few days - only have the opportunity to work on this outside of work, etc....

i did finally get the starter bolts out. i've got the starter loose - then it was dinner time.....

so, next time i get a chance to work on this i'll be concentrating on getting the starter out of the car.......

[GT172I]

I just saw this thread and glad to see I gave you inspiration to attempt the diy.

Look at all the room you've got without that stupid canister banging around!!! Kidding, I know it's still pretty damn tight in that area.

Glad you got that last bolt off, it's definitely the trickiest part of the job. I'll share a little insight in case somebody else stumbles on this with the same problem. It will probably only make sense if you've attempted it though so bear with me. After you've made your ~2-3 feet of extensions/u-joints contraption start by getting the socket on top of the transmission somewhat close to the bolt head (this will take two probably skinny hands). Then take the hand closest the front of the car and take it out of the transmission tunnel and put it up in the hole by the starter. You can put your hand on top of the starter and push your fingers rearward until they find the socket. Then using lots of luck, dexterity, and a few attempts you should be able to guide the socket onto the bolt head with one hand and pushing your extension contraption with the other hand. Once it's on hold the extension end stable and move your guide hand back to the extension side and grab on to the extension as best you can keeping it seated on the bolt. Slip a large box end wrench over the ratchet and use it as a lever arm to apply torque to the whole mess. This should allow you to apply enough torque to break the bolt loose even with the losses from the u-joints, wobblies, and shear length of the twisting arm. Once broken loose I was able to remove it the rest of the way by fingers over the top of the starter.

I recognize that sounds horribly complicated, but I think is really is pretty intuitive when you see what you're working with. Care to share how you managed it?