Putting the thing on!
So, here is how it went:
I went and got back the old core, which is still cracked to heck. It did have a 9-tooth bendix (I knew this was my starter because 8.5 were left!), so I was now on the hunt for the big game.
After going to a few stores, I finally found the right one for $44 bucks after core trade. That, a set of new spark plugs, and a charge to the battery (down from all the spinning in space), and she fired like a champ.
But, to add to Vigman's heroic post, I thougt I would do Kathy's Guide on How to Remove and Install Your '85 Starter in a Jiffy :
The reason for this is because the Haynes manual makes it look like a snap, and it ain't (gee, no kidding!). Also, after doing it a few times, I think I have gotten it fairly down!
As always when playing with big moving electrical parts, disconnect the negative lead on your battery. You'll always be happy you did.
Once you get under the car you find the starter on the passenger side. Looking at it, it seems that it should just drop right out when you take out the bolts, but it does not! There are pretty metal lines running there, and even without them, it would not squeeze past the exhaust pipe.
First, though, you want to disconnect the sensor line that runs by the starter, which you can do after removing the protective cover over it (this sits right in front of the starter). If you don't you will likely break this wire because it is in the way during removal and installation. Also, I found it easier to remove the cover that fits over the flywheel - it is just 4 bolts, and you get a much better view of what you are doing. This is a good time to take it off and de-gunk it anyway, and to do a flywheel inspection, too.
Also, the Haynes manual says to disconnect the starter electrical leads first. If you can do this then you are a victim of a very tragic birth defect, because my hands just don't go that way. I suppose there are tools that will let you spend an hour reaching in there and doing the job first, but I just went ahead and found an easier way. So just go and first disconnect the two big bolts on the bottom of the starter.
Once you have taken out the two bolts, lift the starter up and rotate it so that the unit is balancing on the exhaust 4-way. Now, with the solenoid facing towards the outside of the car you can reach up and easily disconnect the leads. For tools, it took a 14mm socket on the starter bolts and the large lead, and a 10 mm on the small lead. Then, maneuver the starter down through that area to the outside of the exhaust 4-way. This is how it goes in and out quite easily, and does not threaten any other lines.
If you have ever changed your plugs, then you know the area I am talking about. The further back plug on the passenger side is most easily accessed from the bottom of the car through this area.
Once you have done this, then do the opposite for installation of the new starter. Of course, if you really enjoy this guide, you can get the wrong starter, and do it a couple of times, like I did!
Kathy
