Starter does'nt sound good

[Moke81]

Heard it about a week ago, sort of a low growl after the engine started. Two questions, on the diffuculty scale how hard is it to change out? And is it worth paying more for the higher torque, lighter weight aluminum one for a stock SC, what do you guys think?
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1981 SC

[Superman]

You don't need any more torque than the stock one has. Not real difficult to remove them. You have to "bear hug" the tranny (do a search) to get at the 10mm allen nut. BE SURE to disconnect the negative cable at the battery. The reason: Because the BIG FAT wire from the positive pole on the battery runs directly to the starter, and is not fused. Always hot and not fused.

[Mookster]

If the starter in your vehicle is the original have it rebuilt locally.

I have replaced my starter with the high torque starter and have no complaints. I replace my starter due to the fact the prior owner installed it with some rebuilt POS. After 2 bad starters in 3 months, enough was enough.

Replacing the starter is a bear but it can be done. Lots of threads on this topic, use search function for details. Replace the barrel nuts.

The one thing to note on the high torque starter, the mounting flange was a tad thinner. When using the barrel nut on the top stud an extra or thicker washer was needed. My suggestion and solution was to use a bolt and washer instead of the barrel nut. If you go this route, be sure you get the correct threading.

Good luck