Starter replacement - must I remove intake manifold?

[radiopaulie]

I purchased a 1972 2002 with the starter out of the car. I have since purchased a re-man Bosch from AutoZone.

Do I need to remove the intake manifold in order to fit the new starter? If so, must I remove the carb from the manifold as well?

Any other tips would be very much appreciated! Thanks!

[esty]

no

[BillWilliams]

A stock 2002 or the one sometimes supplied from an e-30M3?

Use a cap headed bolt (M10 x 1.25 x 80 cap head) for the rear bolt. Makes install and removal a snap.

[radiopaulie]

I'm sorry, but I'm not sure and I don't have it with me. I'll post pics later. I suppose it's one of the larger ones, as I can't really imagine it being any bigger or heavier!

The question is knowing if it goes down from the top, or installs from the front.

Thanks very much as always for your help! - Paul

[c.d.iesel]

REMOVE THE BATTERY

REMOVE THE SUPPORT BRACKET UNDER

THE INTAKE MANIFOLD

HAVE PATIENCE - it should go back in

[wagnerf15]

It will go in...just takes some maneuvering. And CD brings up a really useful point....remove battery and anything else dangling in the way (mine was easier with dipstick removed too). Good luck, have fun.

[Harv]

If the battery is in the trunk, disconnect it.

John

[radiopaulie]

The battery was relocated to the trunk by the PO, so that's good. I need to replace it, as there was no battery when I purchased the vehicle. I'm thinking Optima red-top.

How does the dipstick come off? Is it bolted or pressed into the block?

You guys are AWESOME!

[BillWilliams]

Keep the battery disconnected, as directed. The cable going to the starter will weld stuff if it touches anything.

The dipstick tube is held on by two hose clamps and a small hose. One clamp connects a the hose to a boss on the block and the other clamp holds the hose to the dipstick tube.

[dubois]

on on the top bolts, because limited space, it is very difficult to hold the nut while you try to engage the bolt. Wrap the nut with a zip tie you can then hold it, guide it and even keep it locked in place for tightening.

[PeterVarga]

...yeah, what they said...remove water bottle if on top of brake master cylinder, remove air cleaner housing. Remove dipstick tube and dipstick. Even remove air cleaner bracket if you have round style air cleaner. If smog hoses in way mark them and tie out of the way with tape. And you really should put rags or paper over the open carb barrels and dipstick hole incase you drop mounting hardware......you may have to remove the water inlet(outlet) hose near the top of the bell housing to get a wrench over the bolt that holds the starter on. Clean bolts when out and probably should put medium strength locktite on when reassemble. You don't want your starter bolt vibrating off! It's a do-able project if you remove the stuff in the way first.

[radiopaulie]

OK, this is what I'm seeing from the front of the car. Took the dipstick off, and that helped somewhat. Still too tight a fit. Is that the motor mount that is at the bottom of the picture? Is it possible the starter is too large?

A little frustrating, but good to be getting somewhere.

Also, the dipstick tube was held by a plate with four bolts. Does this indicate a particular block?

Thanks again! - Paul

[PeterVarga]

that looks like the motor mount at the bottom. yes. the older starters were much larger than the BOSCH you're putting in. Doesn't really matter since they both fit. Just more power in smaller device. And the extra room makes better working in that part of the engine. I don't think you need to remove the motor mount, just clean it with a solvent rag from the oil and make sure it's tighten. Look for cracks in the rubber etc. The improvement in the starter is really worth it. Good Luck.

Don't know regarding the four bolt pattern on the dipstick mount. I think every one I've seen pictures of in the parts books has that mounting plate with that pattern on it. Maybe someone else knows.