Is it possible to remove starter without removing engine?
 

Hi, I need to remove the starter motor from my 84 Carrera Targa to have it serviced. I have jacked up the back of the car, installed two jack stands, disconnected the battery, removed the three wires connected to the solenoid and the lower bolt that is clearly visible. After removing the right rear wheel I managed to get an allen key into the top bolt but can't get enough leverage to loosen it. Help please!

Regards
Gavin

You'll need to buy a 3/8's drive (8 or 10mm?) allen socket with an extension.

Cheers,

Joe

Thank you for the reply Joe. I'm not sure if I will manage to get socket drive into the confined space.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1176571269.jpg

The photo above shows the allen key peeping out above the starter.

It's easy...just take time and patience...As Joe said...you will need the allen key/socket tool with an extension...

Its a total PITA but you can do it.

Gavin, Welvcome to the Board.

When you use the allen/socket with an extension, you can insert the tool from the end of the starter rather than aproaching from the side where the end of your allen key is showing. With the right length extension, your ratchet or breaker bar can then be positioned past the end of the starter

It is definitely doable as I removed and reinstalled my starter 4 times in an hour on my '86 one frustrating afternoon. Like has been mentioned you will need an allen head socket that fits the bolt and about a 10" extension. Get some old clothes on that you don't ever care about wearing again. Car up on jack stands like you have it. Slide underneath the transaxle with your head towards the front of the car and looking up at the transaxle. Now holding the extension with socket in your left hand take your right hand and reach out, around and up to the top of the transaxle and keep feeling around until you find that pesky bolt. Keep a finger on it so you don't lose it! Now take the extension in your left hand and move it around on the other side until you have it up there by your right hand and using both hands guide it into the bolt head. Keep using your right hand to keep the socket in the bolt and your left to operate the ratchet. You should be hugging your transaxle. Enjoy the moment. Smoke a cigarette afterwards.

Did someone mention a looooong extension? You need to have the ratchet handle where you can apply some leverage on it. Tape together enough extensions to perform this pleasant task.

Sherwood

Bear hug the transmission and feel your way to the starter bolts. You can also lower the transmission or engine a little to get more room.
It will be very dirty under there.

Thank you very much guys. I'll buy the necessary driver and extension as soon as I can and let you know my progress.

Thank you
Gavin

Since you're going to be "hugging" the transaxle and pulling on a wrench, be absolutely certain your car is well supported once you raise it up. There have been some threads recently here and on other boards about what happens when a cheap jack or jack stand fails. It's not pretty.

Be safe. Good luck.

Not too long with the extension or you won't have enough room to get the ratchet on it.

Hi Gavin,

I will bring my extension and ratchet and assist you as long as you provide the drinks.

Cheers,
Kobus

Gavin,

I use an adjustable extension to avoid the problem Jon refers to, as you back out the bolt, the ratchet fouls the body. A short allen driver is better, the bottom bolt flange gets in the way of a long one. Good luck.

Make sure you disconnect the battery before manouvering tools close to the starter - else you can easily short the +12V terminal to chasis ground.

Let me know how you proceeded, as I am tackling the exact same task at the momemt!