Removing starter - 1988 5.0L GM engine

[jlinder]

Went out today and got stuck. On one start engine seemed to crank slow, went to marina and when I went to leave engine would not crank. Not even a click from the solonoid.<br /><br />Checked voltage and all good to the starter. Tried applying 12v to the starting solonoid coil and no click again, so I guess the solonoid is bad, or the relay stuck or contacts burnt. I guess my best approach is to pull the starter and have it checked out or replaced. After all, it is 18 years old.<br /><br />My problem is that I am trying to get the starter off, but no luck. I found 2 bolts and go them out (boy were they hard to get out), but it seems like there is at least another bolt.<br /><br />So I have 2 questions:<br /><br />1. Where are the bolts for the starter and how many are there to get it off?<br /><br />2. Any suggestions on the right approach to the repair? Replace the solonoid only, replace the starter, get it rebuilt, etc?<br /><br />DETAILS: 1988 Chapparral 198XL w/ a 5.0L GM engine and OMC cobra sterndrive

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Removing starter - 1988 5.0L GM engine

Jack, My '88 4.3L V6 GM has two bolts on the starter body and a strap from the block to the starter body, near the starter solenoid. I would look for this strap. Other than that, it probably rusted to the flywheel shroud.

 

[imported_alex_G]

Re: Removing starter - 1988 5.0L GM engine

I had same situation. There is a bolt on another side of back of the starter. My engine is 85 and I guess it would be the same starter. I couldn't get second bolt no matter how hard I tried. Dealership quoted removal for 2.5 hours. I think for such amount of time they are going to lift the engine.<br /><br />I hope in your case it would be easier.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Removing starter - 1988 5.0L GM engine

I forgot to mention that one of the bolts was from the bottom in the rear on the outboard side of the starter (away from the engine). This was a long bolt that looks about 4 inches long.<br /><br />There may also be another bolt on the bottom inboard side, but before I get a long beaker bar and try to wrestle with it I wanted to see if I was on the right track.

 

[ahein]

Re: Removing starter - 1988 5.0L GM engine

Jack,<br />I replaced the starter on my 1987 GM 305c.i. (5.0L)and found three bolts holding it in place. Two were directly across from each other, on either side of the starter frame and close to the flywheel. The third bolt was about 2 inches forward of the inside bolt (toward the front of the motor). I don't believe all three bolts are required because the replacement marine starter had a frame that only accepted two bolts. Maybe the original starter on my engine was not the correct one .

 

[jlinder]

Re: Removing starter - 1988 5.0L GM engine

I found a picture of the one long bolt I was able to remove. It this the type of bolt you had to remove? <br />

<br /><br />Just need to get a nice big breaker bar to get the other one out.<br /><br />Anyone have an opinion on new vs. rebuilding the existing one?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Removing starter - 1988 5.0L GM engine

You're headed the Right Way so far,..... Put a short piece of pipe on your Ratchet..........<br /><br />I just put a New starter on this year,....<br />It's 1 of those Small Perm-magnet motor types,....<br />Got from a company in Tenn. that sells on ebay,.....<br />1 for the Boat,+ 1 for the Pickup,.....<br />Had Great Luck,... So Far,.... with Both..........