How do change a starter?

Answer 1

Most starter motors are mounted under the engine block, near the transmission. When activated, they pop out a small gear (pinion) that engages teeth on a much larger gear around the edge of the flywheel (manual transmission) or flex plate (automatic transmission.) The pinion is pushed out by an electromagnet called the solenoid, which also colses the high-current switch that powers the motor. The gear engagement must be very very precise. Most modern cars are manufactured precisely enough to mate correctly on the first try. But older models used shims (thin metal strips) to adjust the spacing. Deternine if you need shims before starting the job. 1. Disconnect the NEGATIVE (-, black) cable from the battery. Because of the large ammount of current they need, starters have a large cable connected directly to the battery. DO NOT TOUCH THIS CONNECTION BEFORE DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY. 2. Raise the engine compartment of the car high enough to work comfortably underneath. 3. Allow engine to cool sufficiently to avoid burns from the exhaust system. Starters are typically close to the exhaust system. 4. Disconnect two wires from the starter solenoid. The main power cable from the battery, and the solenoid activation wire from the ignition switch. 5. Remove the mounting bolts and lower the starter. Be careful. Starters are heavy! 6. Reassemble everything in reverse order. 7. You will know if shims are needed because either the pinion will not pop out all the way, or it will stick after the engine starts. If so, you will hear a sudden winding noise. Turn the engine off immediately. Add shims one at a time until the starter functions properly.