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The i ultimate test of the starter to see if it will engage and rotate is to remove thre connector to the starter solenoid at the back of the valve cover . here may have been something missed in troubleshooting through the circuit and this bypasses all that and will energize the starter amusing the small terminal wire is tight on thhe solenoid . .There are 3 connectors togethere 2 being the 4 wire connectors for the aft O2 sensors and don't mix these 2 positions up as it's important in proper engine regulation . The connector you want is the single pin / blade one where you bring power over from the large battery wire terminal post on the firewall . . This done with the battery connected .
Before installing a new started verify the output terminal post on the solenoid does not short out the case ground by removing the pigtail that runs to the starter motor brushes .. My lovely assistant with her tight . tight dress points to the area of concern .. If the solenoid does not pass this test , do not install the starter .
I had explored the way of removing the starter from the top but from the bottom seemed more practical . The problem is the top mounting bolt tail end points aft but is blocked by the firewall .
The following procedure is for replacing the starter from the bottom :
Open the hood as will be dropping the rear of the engine down so the front of the engine will move up hitting the hood . The hood does not need to be extended all the way up but can be lower back down on a coule af peices of lumber to get your front engine rising clearence .
Remove the starter solenoid single pin connector mounting from the rear of the valve cover remembering to not disconnect the 4 wire O2 sensor connectors as proper hookup is important . Tie a 4 foot long string on this connector as you will be pulling the connector through on reinstallation . .
Remove and tie a string on the starter cable attached to the side Fwd of the right firewall . .
rrEditing
Last edited by Lady Penelope; 08-17-2018 at 08:34 AM.
There's not really any "best way". It's either from the top or from the bottom and it's a pain either way. But if you remove the intake manifold, it becomes easy, except for removing the intake manifold! The starter can be dropped from underneath, but reaching the connections can be a real bear. Best to have the car up on a lift for that.
Removing the manifold is not too difficult, but many pieces have to be disconnected, obviously. One big advantage to doing it this way is that the hidden radiator Devil Hose and the two gaskets on the coolant rail can then be easily replaced.
So... as Lady P was about to say, be absolutely sure that it is a bad starter before starting. The pretty lady in the little black dress could be wrong!