Starter Swap - 87 Cutlass

[Jay12]

I think my starter is going out, and I found some for really cheap at Autozone. So rather than pay $200 to have a body shop do it I figured I would get off of my *ss and do it myself for only the cost of the starter (~$89). Only thing is that I've never done it before.

Can someone tell me where exactly is the starter on an 87 Cutlass and how hard, or easy, is it to change it out.

Step by step instructions will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[67rstbkt]

The starter is located under the car, basically at the back of the engine, between the motor and transmission. If you have the Olds 307 or Buick V6, I believe the starter is located on the driver's side of the car.
To replace:
1: Disconnect cables at the battery
2: Jack up the car so that you have room to work under it
2a: Use jackstands, ramps or some other "safe" method to keep the car in the air and prevent it from crushing you
3: Remove starter bolts (should be 2), remove battery cable from the starter, unplug or unbolt any other leads. Basicaly you just want to free it up and get it out. You may have to remove the cabling first (probably best to do it this way if you can get your hands up there) or unbolt the starter first, use your best judgement. If there is a plastic or metal cover that you can remove (flywheel inspection cover) go ahead and remove that first because it will give you more room to work with.
4: Install the new starter, read the directions that come with it. There is usually a note about shimming, read that.

 

[deanlemans81]

Good for you for doing it your self!! We all start somewhere working of our cars and it`s as good a start as any.
67rstbkt`s instructions are spot on but I would like to add one small detail. When you disconnect the batterie cables, always remove the negatif first and plug it in last. That way you wont get a surprise shock should your wrench ground itself.

Good luck and tell us how it goes.
Dean

 

[67rstbkt]

Good for you for doing it your self!! We all start somewhere working of our cars and it`s as good a start as any.
67rstbkt`s instructions are spot on but I would like to add one small detail. When you disconnect the batterie cables, always remove the negatif first and plug it in last. That way you wont get a surprise shock should your wrench ground itself.

Good luck and tell us how it goes.
Dean

Good tip, thanks for adding that in

 

[deanlemans81]

My pleasure
Dean

 

[Jay12]

Thanks guys. I'm going to give it a go next weekend. I'll update everyone on my performance haha

 

[mheath717]

It sparks a lot when you forget to disconnect the battery cable

 

[FE3X CLONE]

If you have the original GM starter, I'd look into having it rebuilt rather than buying an off the shelf parts store remaned starter.

Take your starter off and have it tested. It may only be a bad solenoid and if so, is easily replaced for a lot less money than a new starter.