Getting the starter off.

[Jacob07]

Trying to get the oil pan off an 88lx. How do you get to the top starter bolts? I can get to one but theres no leverage and the other I can't even see.

There has to be an easy way...its the starter - I'm not seeing it though.

Also how should I jack the engine up if I don't have a winch? I read to put a jackstand under the crank pulley but then what do you put the jack on initially?

 

[Dr_EluSivE]

getting the starter off is usually Pretty easy, Mine almost fell off the otherday. (Stupid starter!) you might have to get the top one fromthe top, or undo the exaust and drop it to make more room.

Dr.

 

[RustBucket]

I use a long extension and and socket.

 

[Stinger]

I'm not sure what the issue is but if you just use an extension and a ratchet, they are easy to get to...should be a 5 minute job.

 

[Red_LX]

Get the top one from inside the engine bay, it's not THAT hard.

 

[Jacob07]

I finally had a chance to mess with it again. I can't get the bolt to loosen. I guess I will see if I can get an extension long enough for a breaker bar to clear.

Haynes says there are four bolts but I'm assuming theres actually three? That makes more sense.

 

[NjccBflo]

get the top bolt from the above. if You have to, pull the exhaust manifold and reah right between the block & mani., but it shouldnt have to resort to that.

 

[Jacob07]

Ok - I've had two people come over and try to muscle the thing out with no luck. I went and bought a budget air impact wrench at walmart. Spent quite some time beating the **** out of it with that and it still won't come loose. No room for a cheater bar.

Anyone have some tricks?

 

[16vstang]

Are you taking out the starter to swap it out with another one? If so get some PB blaster and spray the crap out of it and then get a torch and heat it up then spray some more blaster on it. If you can get a friend to help ya have him hit the stater with a mini sledge wile you try to losen the bolt. I had the same problem a wile ago with my starter Any ways hope that helps,
Nick

 

[Jacob07]

I put everything back together, lowered the car, and took it to a local shop. They raised the car and got it from the front with a really long extension.

I already knew the bottom two were stripped and after looking at the top bolt it appears to be stripped too. (there is a substance in the threads of the bolt and i'm assuming it to be metal - didn't really examine it)

They said something about a "heat coil" to fix that? Said I would have to take it somewhere else for that. Is there some compound I can put on it (like JB weld) so it will stay secure?

...and just hope that I have a new engine before the starter goes out

 

[16vstang]

I think the proper term is heli-coil you just put it in with some permatex and its pretty much just a new set of threads. The Only problem is you have to drill out the old ones first Go to a local parts store and ask them about it and they should be able to help ya out and show ya just what you need to do it.