Any tips on replacing my starter?...it froze up on me this weekend and I had to tap it a couple of times to get it to start. So iam decided to just replace it. It doesn't look too hard to get to and it also looks like I won't have to remove any exhaust pipes around.....any advice would be appreciated

 

Just be careful with the wiring, disconnect the battery before you start.

 

The biggest problem with changing a GM starter is the fact that it weighs about 8000 lbs as you are holding it up with one hand while trying to get the bolts started.

 

Thanks for the info...it looks pretty easy...I am going to get on it here in the next day or so...I want to have it back ready to cruise this weekend..

 

Put something under it that you can rest it on, like a jack stand, so that 8000 lbs doesn't hit you in the face.

 

Lol....I'll try that...is it only the two bolts to take out right?

 

If you will be below the starter when removing it, some people leave the cable connected while removing the attaching bolts so as to keep the starter from crashing into your head.

 

And remember,... NEVER GET UNDER THE CAR UNLESS IT IS SUPPORTED WITH QUALITY JACKSTANDS. The sheet metal stands that were sold years ago were absolutely not safe. There is no way a regular jack is safe enough either.

 

Always but thanks for the reminder..

 

ahahahahaha, Good Tricep workout though.

Take a good look at where the positive cable connects, when you get it out. If it is fatigued or burned you might want to look into new cables. A bad negative usually causes that. Aside from the weight it's not difficult at all to change. As previously stated disconnect the battery cable for 2 reasons, so it doesn't short and it will allow you to drop the starter lower, but don't let it hit the floor because the start wire and resistor wire are not going to hold it up long. If it makes a violent grinding noise when the new one is in you need shims.

 

Will the bad ground cause the motor to freeze up like that?...I thought that heat caused the starter motor to freeze up?

 

Freezing up could be a bad solenoid or worn brushes among other things to include bad cables and connections. Start looking at the simple things first.