Guys I really need some help.

The shop just got the new engine loaded in and now they are saying the aged starter in my 85Z doesn't want to start the engine.

I've never installed a new starter before.

How hard is this procedure? Any good explanations/tutorials?

 

It's a bit of a pain, but not technically difficult. You do have to get the car up in the air enough to crawl underneath.

I had to change the starter on Berlinetta #2 while it still had the stock 305 while out of town visiting my mom with no jacks, jack stands, ramps, etc. available. We pushed it so that the right side was up on the curb, put down a piece of cardboard for a "creeper". Took a little less than 2 hours to remove, go to NAPA (about the only choice in the town where she lives) to get a replacement, and install it. My older brother was visiting at the same time, kind of a role reversal with him handing me wrenches, getting rags, etc.

 

What all is involved in removig the starter?

I found one at AZ for $45 but that sounds like el cheapo.

 

A Haynes shop manual would describe the process.

Disconnect battery ground cable.
Remove bellhousing cover (4 bolts).
Remove wires from solenoid terminals (one large that the battery cable goes to, one small start wire).
Remove motor brace that goes between the starter motor body and engine block.
Remove two starter mount bolts.
Wiggle starter out.

Installation is the reverse of removal.

 

Someone at my local speed shop also mentioned since my car has headers I may need to remove one of the headers to get the starter out.

Is that gonna hold true?

 

Depends upon the headers. I can get mine out, but it's a lot easier if I drop the y-pipe first.

 

Alright guys. I went down to the shop today to see the car **** up with my own two eyes.

I brought my volt meter with me and measured the battery. It tested 10 volts and some change. Then I told the guys at the shop to lug over a jumper pack. They hooked it up and it measured 12.47

I got in the drivers seat, primed the fuel pump took a breath and turned the key.

A loud CLACK CLACK CLACK CLACK'ing sound, and then nothing. Sounds like the solenoid is engaging but the starter won't turn the engine whatsoever.

It is somewhat believable that the starter is toasted because 1) it has been sitting for 6 months and 2) 4 months ago was the last and only time out of the 6 months it was started and that was to drive it out back of the shop it was originally at. At that time we had to use a jumper pack and the the starter turned the engine, but it was VERY difficult to get it to start to the point I thought we were gonna have to drive a towtruck around back. Took us almost 2 minutes to get the engine to crank after several attempts and I'm thinking this could have possibly cooked the starter. This was the last time the car was started for 4 months up until today.

Now, the part that makes me think the starter is NOT bad, is that shortly after I first got the car I had this exact same problem, same noises and the same sick to my stomach feeling. Felt like an idiot when I discovered it was a poor connection at the battery from me poking around under the hood. Never-the-less I still trashed that interstate green top.

Now, the shop claims that they tried jumping the starter directly and still got nothing.

What do you think the deal is here? Right now I'm gonna say the pendulum could swing either way. I saw and heard tonight with my own two eyes what goes on when you turn the key, but only heard with my own two ears what goes on when you get under the car to try a jump on the starter.

It's gonna be about $50 for the starter after some store credit I have with AZ, and $88 labor to toss it in.

 

Price is about right, I got mine at autozone for 58$. Installation is pricey, I can do it in about 30 minutes but then again it's a shop. When they take the old one out be sure to get it tested at AZ, it's free. If it's bad, then that's deff your problem. If it's not, well... the answer to that is obvious.

When you replace the starter, make sure they check your ground wires as well. Chances are at least one is fried from trying to crank it a million times.

 

If your battery cables are old it wouldn't hurt to change them too.
Keep in mind if you have it tested, it may test good.

I have a 96 Silverado, starter went out, only clicked. Had it tested tested good. Bought a mini starter anyway.
Worked great for about 3 days. Same thing.
That one tested good too. Made them give me another, haven't had a problem since.