Removing starter from a 95 4x4 blazer

[Beakman]

I've disconnected the wires and taken the two bolts out of the starter, yet there isn't enough space to actually get the starter out.

Also, I removed a metal rod that crossed underneath the starter. The end of the starter towards the front of the car hits and stops on something just about 1/4 of an inch short of me being able to get the starter all the way out of the housing for the flywheel.

Other forum posts that I saw suggested that I hoist the engine up to remove the starter that way, but I don't have the tools necessary for that.

I'm thinking about going through the wheel well and removing the solenoid from the starter while it's still in the car to see if that allows me more space to remove the starter.

Any tips or suggestions?

[Will Help]

I hate when they do that. Just simply unbolt the motor mount on that side and putting a floor jack with a 2X6X6 piece of wood between it and the oil pan. Jack the engine up slowly just enough to clear the starter.

My DTS starter is under the intake manifold. Trade you problems there!!!

[blazes9395]

You should be able to get the starter out without doing anyhting to the engine. It is very, very tight, but you should be able to do it. I usually put the front of the starter forward and twist and turn it out. It does take a while, but you should be able to get it out.

[Rick Norwood]

Originally Posted by blazes9395

You should be able to get the starter out without doing anyhting to the engine. It is very, very tight, but you should be able to do it. I usually put the front of the starter forward and twist and turn it out. It does take a while, but you should be able to get it out.

Sorry Man, But I have to disagree. It is too simple to jack the engine up rather than wrestling with the starter. My 93 was the same way. Remove the Motor mount bolt and use a Floor Jack and a piece of wood and the starter is on the floor in a matter of minutes. You only have to raise the engine about 1/2 - 3/4 of an inch.

[Will Help]

Yep, and with a whole lot less cussin and busted knuckles.

[blazes9395]

I agree with you guys for sure it would make it easier, but its just more work, and possibly more frustration if the nut is rusted on the bolt for the mount etc, etc...
By all means jacking the eninge up a little works too.....

[Will Help]

Bolt should not be rusted on. It may have a self locking nut on it though which will give you some resistance while removeing. Worth it though.

[ZL1power69]

If your bolts come out without a problem, that little bit of extra room helps to get the starter out easier. Like blazes said, it can be done without jacking up the motor, its just more of a pain though.

[bobmga62]

you should be able to wrestle it out without any other ommissions from the underside of the car.

Putting it back in is tougher..

I landed up putting about 8 inches more leader on the starter wire, so that I had soime slack!

the starter wire was literally prohibiting me from twisting and turning the unit into position.

[mikeemon]

I have a 99 4x4 blazer. Raising the engine is the easiest way to go. Remember when you get it out, you will have to persuade a new one back in. Raising the engine makes that easier too. Disconnecting the wires is a pain though. I did it through the wheel well. Still a pain. I have not found an easy way to deal with those wires.

[newman12fan]

I changed mine without raising the engine, I did remove the bar out of the way and had to lengthen the wiring also!!! They really don't give you enough wire to be able to wiggle it around.. It's been a little while, but I think the wiring was what stopped it from coming out and finally I hesitantly cut the wires.