New guy here, but have been lurking for months. I've always done most of my own repairs (except for rebuilding motors/transmissions), and was a mechanic for many years, so I pretty much know my way around vehicles.

I've got a '97 Aurora (newest vehicle I've ever owned). The starter went out yesterday (grinding noise big time). I don't think its damaged the flywheel because its not 'that kind of grinding'.

Anyways, have any of you guys and gals changed out your starter, and how much of a pain is it?

I found a repair manual online and ordered it, so that'll help once it gets here.

Thanks.

 

I've never done maitenance on a late 90s Aurora. It shouldn't be too difficult. Good luck. Please keep us posted.

 

Yeah, well, except for the fact that the starter is in the valley under the intake. Fortunately it's pretty easy to remove the intake on the Northstar family and the gaskets are o-ringed and reusable. The hardest part is disconnecting all the quick-connect fuel line fittings. You definitely need the special disconnect tool set.

 

Oh darn! Looks like someone might have to turn a wrench!

 

Well, it wasn't as bad as me & my son thought it would be...........

Had to pull the entire intake, fuel rails, yada, yada, yada........

Here's a pic of it once everything was ready to be put back together. It took about 2 1/2 hours to change the starter.

002-36.jpg

 

Thanks for the pic ...I am expecting to have to open my '99 up in the near future...starter clicks a few times before engaging...

 

I hope you desludged the throttle body and fuel injectors while you were doing this repair. If not then that was a golden opportunity missed. This simple procedure can greatly improve idle performance and gas mileage.

 

We did that last weekend when we tore it apart again. It runs a bit smoother than I remember.

 

I had to do our starter on New Yearls Day when it was 18 degrees out. I agree with everything above and would add that the trickiest part is getting the manifold to clear the power steering pump.

 

thats crazy a starter in the intake I would have said you were on crack.

 

They do all sorts of odd things on cars these days.

 

Dave, can you post some more details when you get a chance, like what tools you used to disconnect the fuel lines and anything else that is 'strange' or unexpected?

I fear i will have to do this on my 97 Caddy some day. I bet the dealer will want half a grand to do it.
I have only changed the belts & coolant hoses on that beast, and that was bad enough - 8 hours total!

A starter IN in the engine - I think the designers were on crack...
Another reason why i do not want another 'modern' car.

 

The only special tool you need is to disconnect the fuel lines. The tools are cheap and come in plastic or metal. Buy a kit that covers multiple fuel line sizes to be sure you make only one trip to the store.

This is an example of what one looks like but they come in a couple of different styles. You do not need a flare nut wrench if someone at the store tries to sell you that as this tool is for a different application and will not help you.

http://www.amazon.com/OTC-6603-Fuel-.../dp/B000JFHNME