Two starter questions...

[Dirt]

Question 1 has to do with removal. Is there room enough for me to remove the starter without having to take the intake manifold off? It looks like I should be able to slide it up in between the intake manifold and the firewall.

Question 2: Has anyone here rebuilt their starter? My guess is that mine just isn't moving because it has been sitting for years. Any advice on taking it apart? I've got a manual that describes the process. Just curious about real-world experience.

Thanks for the help.

Pete

[Napes]

Q#1; Answer: Yes, there's plenty of room w/out removing the intake manifold.

Q#2; I'll let others respond. I just get a rebuilt unit. Mine have lasted about 15 yrs.+/-.

Bob Napier

[TobyB]

Q1 Bob's right, but it's a pain in the patoot. The bolts have nuts, you see...

Q2 quite likely. But see Q1. Take yours out, then take it apart. If it's something easy like a stuck (rusted) solenoid, by all means, repair it. Likewise, a bad bearing or something. But if you have to cabbage it back together, remember what a pain in the fingers it was to swap...

hth,

t

[Mike Self]

Three things generally go wrong with a 2002 starter; you can fix 'em all with a modicum of skill and patience.

1. Rear bushing starts spinning in its plastic sleeve, putting a heavy drag on the motor and making it spin slowly. If you discover this, drop me an e-mail and I'll send you instructions for making a new rear bushing that eliminates the plastic sleeve and thus the problem.

2. Brushes worn out--new brushes are available from Bosch, just solder 'em in. Make sure the commutator (copper part of the armature that the brushes bear against) isn't worn or burnt.

3. Solenoid has died. They should also be available from Bosch, but are expensive. If the solenoid is bad and you can't find a parts starter with a good solenoid, you might be better off with a rebuilt starter.

cheers

mike

[Dirt]

Thanks guys! I appreciate that. I've located a used starter that will work well for me. Once this one is out though, I am going to go through the rebuild process so that I can have a spare.

Thanks for the info.

Pete

[albawhore]

If I remeber your blog correctly this car is going to see track time. If that is the case you should consider the M3 starter upgrade.

JB

[Dirt]

If I remeber your blog correctly this car is going to see track time. If that is the case you should consider the M3 starter upgrade.

JB

What is the difference?

[albawhore]

The M3 unit is stronger, lighter and newer. It is a little pricy @ about $175 but from what the board has posted it is, hands down, worth every penny. I seem to remember it being like 8 lbs less or some crazy amount like that. If you search the forum there are a number of threads about the mod.

JB

[Dirt]

The M3 unit is stronger, lighter and newer. It is a little pricy @ about $175 but from what the board has posted it is, hands down, worth every penny. I seem to remember it being like 8 lbs less or some crazy amount like that. If you search the forum there are a number of threads about the mod.

JB

Cool. You save 8 pounds here, 8 pounds there and before you know it your car is a little lighter. Sounds like a great choice. When I've got the motor out and I'm overhauling it, I'll drop one in before I put the motor back in.

Thanks for the info.

Pete