Starter Installation

[conundrum]

I think that I may have to remove and replace my starter motor and solenoid in my 1997 Olds Aurora and I am not sure of how to get to either of these items. Has any one performed this procedure? Does anyone have a diagram that they can post from the Aurora service manual?

Thanks

[Indy8]

I hope you're ready for this one! The starter rests down between the cylinder heads, underneath the intake manifold. So, remove engine cover, fuel rail assembly, intake manifold, then starter. The worst part is GM recommends a BRAND NEW manifold whenever this is done. They're made of plastic and cannot be trusted to re-seal correctly when torqued down. Aint that a bitch?

[ottoracefan]

Here's the procedure I used to change starters on my '95:

1. Remove negative, then positive, cables at battery
2. Remove manifold cover. (4 nuts)
3. Remove PCV hose at intake manifold.
4. Remove front spark plug wires.
5. Remove fuel injector harness (be careful with the little wire clips).
6. Remove electrical connectors at idle speed control motor, throttle position sensor, and MAP sensor.
7. Remove ground wire at passenger side cylinder head.
8. Remove vacuum hoses at power brake booster and throttle body.
9. Remove crankcase vent hose at air intake and EGR tube.
10.Relieve fuel pressure. Remove fuel lines and retainer bolt near throttle body.
11.Remove air intake hose, coolant hoses at throttle body (plug these hoses).
12.Remove throttle and cruise control cables at throttle body.
13.Remove 6 bolts and 4 studs for intake manifold.
14.Carefully lift intake manifold up and away.
15.Remove starter cables and 2 starter mounting bolts.

Installation is reverse of removal, except:
When installing new starter, tighten cables before positioning and tightening starter motor.

Torque Specs:
Starter "S" terminal nut 26 lb.in.
Starter battery cable 88 lb.in.
Starter mounting bolts 32 lb.ft.
Intake manifold bolts 89 lb.in.
Battery cables at battery 12 lb.ft.

Job took me 3.5 hours working at a leisurely, cautious pace. Intake manifold gaskets are a tough plastic material, I did not replace them and have no leaks. This is not a difficult job if you've turned some wrenches before. BTW, no special tools are needed.

[baron1701]

Excellent Info. Best Post On This Subject In The Last Two Years.