How do you remove the starter motor on a 1998 punto?

Answer 1

Removing a Punto StarterThe starter motor is at the back of the engine block. I changed one Sunday on a 1997 60s from the top. Others say it is better from beneath, but unless you got a pit or a good ramp it is a bit awkward. I took all air filter of top of carb (2 nuts) then used 13mm ring spanner to take 2 bolts holding starter motor which screw from left to right into engine and another which srews from right to left going through engine block and screws into starter motor then I jiggled starter motor out and turned it around so I could get to the wires. There is only 3 wires, I think they were all red ones plastic cover was a bit fiddley to get back on, 1 thin wire with a ring connecter 1 abit thicker and 1 a bit fatter than a straw with like a metal bracket on it,make sure you take note of the position before removing as 2 wires fit one one top of the other and have to fit into the plastic cover, fitting new one put wires on first then bolt into position. Good Luck not that hard just fiddley.

added by big.paul (30/1/10)

This answer implies that 2 of the 3 bolts are reverse thread but I can confirm that all 3 bolts are normal thread. The left and right relates to direction of the bolt. 1 is accessed from the battery side, the other 2 from the centre.

added by big.paul (21/1/11)

Also be aware there is a group of 5 or so coloured wires that earth (all together) onto the engine block directly underneath the starter. As the starter can be awkward to get out and in when working from above, you can accidentally loosen this earthing, which is probably already corroded. This causes problems in the fuel pump relay and (in my case) non starting (and not due to the starter motor!!). When changing the starter, I would recommend disconnecting this earth strap first, cleaning up with emery cloth etc and reconnecting once the starter is back in place. Makes everything easier and more reliable.