Tips on replacing the starter motor in an RA65

[azmodai]

Hi guys,
The starter motor in my RA65 died a few days ago.
I picked up a replacement from Tempe Tokyo Spares for $65 (bargain!), and set forth on the process of swapping over the starter motor.

Firstly, i'm no mechanic, i'm just a geek who wants to fix his car himself to learn in the process.

I jacked up the car, supported it with bricks and blocks, and slipped under with the intention of removing the previous one. I inspected the new starter and could see it should only be a simple job (in theory) of removing two or three bolts, and the starter solenoid. I've also got a haynes repair manual, and a chiltons repair manual to aid me.

However, due to the location of the starter it is near farking impossible to get a wrench or spanner in there to remove said bolts.

So, my question is. Does anyone know any tips or tricks to aid me in the process of removing my starter motor?, Is there any easy method that I don't know that could possibly speed up or make this process a lot easier?

Cheers,
Evyn

[wilbo666]

To replace it, should be a simple matter of removing the large 12V cable from the battery to the motor, the connection to the solenoid and the two bolts/bolt+nuts that hold the starter motor to the block. Disconnect the battery of course!

For the top bolt on the starter motor I suggest attempting to use all your socket extensions and your universal joint (if you have one). This has worked for me in the past. The bottom one should be too bad to get to.

They generally aren't the most fun things to do, but if you have tiny hands and some patience you should go OK

Cheers
Wilbo

[azmodai]

I am lacking of the tiny hands, but patience I have.
Thanks, rep point for you!

[Hen]

Socket on a uni joint on an extension bar is usually the way to go.

Also support your car on something other than bricks while doing this. Apparently they can crack and crumble. A set of car stand is a good investment. Or if it comes to it, park over a ditch so you can slide under the car without jacking it up.

Be doubly sure to disconnect the battery too, as the starter gets unfused, constant 12V and so if this cable touches things all hell breaks loose.

Hen

[TRAV-KE55]

Same as above,
Disconnect battery first, then arm yourself witha socket and uni and extension bar and ratchet, you should be able to slide it along the bellhousing to the bolts, when you have starter turn the engine over by hand (use fan hub or ratchet on front of crank) and check ring gear for damage.
Good luck
Trav

[mrshin]

I'll vote for bricks being EVIL. Do NOT use them...