Starter problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter Daniu
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Daniu

Does anyone know what is the easiest way to replace the starter on a 91 Sunbird w/ 2.0 liters engine

Thanks
 
starter change

i changed one on mine, it is a 93 2.0. the car needs to be jacked up, and you can remove one on the bolts from underneath. the two starter bolts go in opposite directions. once you get that one out and the wires unhooked, lower the car and take the other bolt out from up top. clearance was an issue on mine, so don't be afraid to scrape your knuckles. hope this helps. i work at a gm dealer
 
I know this is an old post maybe I'll get luckey. Does the starter come out through the top or bottom? Do you have to remove anything?
 
yeah the starter comes out underneath-the only stuff i remember taking off was wires and stuff-but it is a tight fit
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1992 Sunbird 2.0 Starter

I have a 1992 Sunbird LE with the 2.0 OHC that needed a starter. I took it to the local shop and they gave me an estimate of $400. I couldn't afford it.

I can do some repairs. A year ago, I replaced the water pump, timing belt and tensioner on this car.

I first had trouble even finding the starter! It was way in the back and under the intake manifold, next to the electronic ignition. I had an inspection mirror and tried to locate the bolts and solenoid terminals--the mirror wasn't working. So, I went to the local tool outlet and bought a video inspection camera for $80 plus a warranty for about $20.

I disconnected the battery.

With the camera, I found EVERYTHING. I came to this forum and read that the bolts went in from different directions, which fit my observations. With the inspection camera, I looked at the solenoid and saw that wires from two of its terminals had to be removed. I had to look at the terminals with the camera, then, put the camera down and locate the terminals by feeling them with my hands. When I could confidently locate the solenoid terminal nuts and wires by hand, I felt my way in and removed the small (purple) wire from the small terminal on the solenoid. I then felt the larger terminal on the solenoid. It had multiple wires coming off of it. I removed the nut and found that three wires came from the area of the electronic ignition and were connected to the starter solenoid. These wires all shared a common end--the three came off together and were not a problem. A heavy cable coming from the battery was also on that terminal. I took that connection off and the starter was electrically disconnected.

The large bolt on the top went from the driver's side of the housing, into the starter. At the bottom and beside a bracket on the bottom, there was a smaller bolt that threaded from the passenger side of the starter, through the starter, into the housing. I removed the two bolts. I lowered the starter out the bottom through an open area. After repairing the starter (with a $25 Bendix). I put the starter in from the top. I didn't even have to jack up the car! On the top of the engine, I did have to temporarily disconnect a vacuum hose for access.

The repair cost me $125 and a lot of time learning my way around the starter area.
 
Yes its a pain to get to and alot easier when I replaced the trans to get to without all the junk in the way.

Getting the mounting bolts started is another matter.......................:rolleyes:

Doug in P.R.:cool:
 
Yep when I removed the head from mine and pulled the intake manifold forward I could see it plain as day and everything. Looked like a pain in the ass. I remember thinking "I sure as shit hope that don't go" lol
 
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