Now that was a fun repair!

[Paladin]

Had the pleasure of replacing the starter on my '86 T-Type today... They (Buick) really managed to shoehorn it in there. Started by disconnecting the battery, removed the exhaust pipe which just crosses under one of the starter bolts with an inch or so to spare... Disconnected the wires, unbolted the starter, squeezed it between the engine and what appeared to be tranny cooler lines (did the '86s have one?), and did the reverse to get the new one in.

Two questions tho, The two lines appeared to come from the trans, then went up to the top of the radiator and curved in. I didn't notice a trans cooler, so maybe they were just coolant lines?

Also, the starter I removed didn't use a shim, so I didn't put one in with the new starter. Started and stopped the car a few times, worked perfect... Any problem with not using the shim or am I ok since the original starter didn't use it?

Thanks,
Sam
--
1986 Buick Regal T-Type. Restoring from scratch.

 

[BlackBeauty]

Originally posted by Paladin
....and what appeared to be tranny cooler lines (did the '86s have one
Two questions tho, The two lines appeared to come from the trans, then went up to the top of the radiator and curved in. I didn't notice a trans cooler, so maybe they were just coolant lines?

Yes, that's the tranny cooler. It's inside the radiator. When people talk about buying a tranny cooler, they mean an external one that looks like a mini-radiator.

 

[Ken Cunningham]

I've replaced 3 starters in TRs (87. 86, & 87). Haven't seen a shim yet. All replacements worked fine.

 

[scottyb]

My TR was certainly the easiest starter I've ever replaced. Why did you remove the crossover? For me, it was 2 wires, 2 bolts, and make sure you're not under it or you get a flat nose!

 

[Paladin]

I didn't have a wrench small enough to get into the starter bolt with the crossover there... If I had had a 3/4 box end to get under there with, probably would have given that a shot. Tack on the fact it was in the dark, jacked up on a dirt driveway in 30degree weather....made it all the mor interesting. As for the tranny cooler, never saw one actually inside the radiator. My '95 Intrepid had it mounted to the front of the radiator.

Sam

 

[Otto J]

next time buy the mini starter for 125 its smaller and way easier to put in.

 

[Ken Cunningham]

Sam: FWIW, I don't consider the starter an easy R&R. I have read other posts where people say it's no big deal, piece of cake, easiest I ever did, etc. Now I'm no pro mechanic, but I do virtually all my own maintenance, even pulled the engine out of my last TR. Maybe I'm just a wimp, but holding up that heavy starter with one hand while I try to keep the wires from stretching and getting a wrench around the limited access to remove the wires, well you know the drill by now. It's a PITA. The 96 Grand Am that my wife drives? Now that really is a piece of cake. Right in front, no access problem. Don't even have to jack the car up (and it's a low car).

 

[salvageV6]

Took me a ton of time and I moved the crossover.

Also in this type of weather last year with a heavy weight Bosch replacement.

Lotsa oil dirt grime and had to make sure I didn't drop it on my face.

All the wires have to be installed nicely and run properly to avoid problems.

You don't want to hang the starter from the wires too long.

That job just sucked in MHO.

No shims and all is good... now.

 

[Roger]

Wanna have a fun starter replacement - try the Cadillac Northstar - it's in the lifter valley.

 

[Paladin]

$125 mini starter? Why spend $125 when I can spend $46?

It's odd looking under the car now...there's a clean part.

Sam
--
1986 Buick Regal T-Type

 

[scottyb]

Originally posted by Paladin
$125 mini starter? Why spend $125 when I can spend $46?

It's odd looking under the car now...there's a clean part.

Sam
--
1986 Buick Regal T-Type

I agree. $80 to save about 10 lbs? Maybe if you're a SERIOUS racer, but that don't add up for the average Joe.

 

[BoostedBug]

I will be changing my starter out for the new light weight on here soon.....


I always try and improve in sted of just replace.

 

[TR Custom Parts]

Ken C, 96 Grand Am huh? The starter may be easy but try replacing the serpentine belt if you have the V-6. Tried to replace it on my wife's 95 Grand AM GT and gave up after a couple of hours. It even took the dealer over 4 hrs to do it. I would hate to see what would happen if it broke down on a long trip in the middle of nowhere. I still have scars on my arms from changing the back sparkplugs! Bring back RWD. I would rather work on my GN anyday.

 

[Otto J]

let me know when you have to replace it again for 46 dollars

 

[scottyb]

Originally posted by KLHAMMETT
let me know when you have to replace it again for 46 dollars

That's the beauty of the AZ lifetime warranty. And I hear they have 'em for 29.00

 

[Paladin]

Same with NAPA, lifetime warranty.

Sam

 

[Ken Cunningham]

Originally posted by BuickGn Boosted
Ken C, 96 Grand Am huh? The starter may be easy but try replacing the serpentine belt if you have the V-6. Tried to replace it on my wife's 95 Grand AM GT and gave up after a couple of hours. It even took the dealer over 4 hrs to do it. I would hate to see what would happen if it broke down on a long trip in the middle of nowhere. I still have scars on my arms from changing the back sparkplugs! Bring back RWD. I would rather work on my GN anyday.

It is the v-6 and I just replaced the spark plugs last week. I posted about the PITA that was in another thread ("Snails ate my engine", or something like that). And yes, when I replaced the alternator a couple of months back, I went ahead and bought the serpentine belt. Then I found out I would have to take the engine off the motor mounts and jack up the engine! I still have the new belt waiting until I get especially ambitious (or foolhardy).

 

[Otto J]

BUT they dont pay for what you are complaining about and that is the LABOR or the pain in the ass job,that you MAY have to do over and over

 

[Hawaiian Turbo]

I extended the small wire(solenoid) so I could connect it with the starter resting on the ground. Just have to make sure the wire is tied out of the way when it's bolted up.
HTH