Starter replacement

[Tim]

I'm getting ready to replace the dying starter in my '89 auto.

From what I have read here, the starters for autos are a little more tricky to change out than on a 5 speed, due to their location and a bolt in a tight spot. Also they turn in the opposite direction?

Has anyone here had any experience changing these out? Any special tips/tricks/shortcuts that might make my job a little easier?


Thanks!

Tim

[jglutz]

The auto is not that bad....it's that the manual is possibly the easiest starter change ever.

[CharlieZ]

Also they turn in the opposite direction?

Any verificaton on this? If true, is there a starter "gear" other than the one on the Bendix?

Thanks
CZ

[mechanicaldj]

Any verificaton on this? If true, is there a starter "gear" other than the one on the Bendix?

Thanks
CZ

besides it is mounted under the intake manifold and pointed in the opposite direction(away from the engine to the flywheel)?????

[CharlieZ]

besides it is mounted under the intake manifold and pointed in the opposite direction(away from the engine to the flywheel)?????

So, when I see a starter advertised as CW or CCW, which one is for the MT and which for the AT? And, I guessing the direction of rotation is as seen from the Bendix end, correct?

[drof 89]

CW for the MT. CCW for the AT.

[ejp2fast]

CW for the MT. CCW for the AT.

Yep... the manual tranny starter points to the engine, the auto starter points to the tranny.

auto starter isn't too bad to change out, you just have to do it from the bottom...

[Tim]

Just an update to this...

Finally got around to putting the starter in. It's pretty easy to do with basic tools and ramps.

I took my old starter apart and the bendix was worn out, causing it to grind loudly and not turn the engine over.


Thanks for the help.

-Tim

[Tim]

Well I have come to the conclusion that my flywheel is missing teeth. It STILL makes that awful grinding noise (although less often). WTF is wrong with these stupid cars? Flywheel replacement is out of the question and I hate that noise.


-Tim

[Damkid]

^^My 300zx does the same thing, i hate the sound too

[FestYboy]

why is a new FLEX plate out of the question?

[Tim]

why is a new FLEX plate out of the question?

Flex plate? Pardon my ignorance, but I thought the starter went directly to the flywheel, and replacing the flywheel means pulling the tranny. :?:

It would be totally awesome if there's something I overlooked and could fix this without making a complex and expensive mess.

-Tim

[FB71]

Flex plate? Pardon my ignorance, but I thought the starter went directly to the flywheel, and replacing the flywheel means pulling the tranny. :?:

It would be totally awesome if there's something I overlooked and could fix this without making a complex and expensive mess.

-Tim

The driveplate connected to the crankshaft on an auto trans equipped engine is called a flexplate, vs a flywheel with a manual transmission. However, flywheel is still an acceptable term.

Yes, replacing it does require separating the engine and trans, but should not be any more expensive than a few quarts of ATF and the cost of a used flexplate. Two cheapo jackstands and a floorjack, along with basic handtools, and you can have it replaced in a weekend.

[Pu241]

FB71, you up for another TX round trip?
This time to help a bro' in need?

[FB71]

FB71, you up for another TX round trip?
This time to help a bro' in need?

always! but I think he's bit further away at the moment (Washington State).