Extremely Confused

[suprahabsfan]

Hi, I am new to this site, and think it's great. I have searched about how to change a starter in a 1989+ supra and found nothing, except for earlier versions. I can see no way to get the starter out, let alone get to the bolts. Theres just not enough clearance from the top or below to car to remove it and put in the new one. So heres my question.... what needs to be removed and how hard is it? It seems if i remove the intake manifold i can get it out from the top....theres gotta be an easier way? :1zhelp:

BTW I have a 1991 Supra Turbo Targa with BPU's...3" from turbo back, boost controller, intake.

 

[staticpat]

A search should pull up many peoples methods for removing it. It's just 2 bolts and the power/ground wires. The hard part is manuevering to the bolts. It's a long hard job, but with time you will develop a good method.

You don't need to remove the intake manifold or any of that. The easiest way for me is to use a lots of extensions with either a wobbler or a u-joint. I run this pile of madness up under the intake manifold and try and land it correct.

 

[suprahabsfan]

It doesn't look like the starter will fit through the intake manifold area opening though. I'm sure I can get to the bolts, it's getting it out that looks impossible. What opening do you get it out of?

 

[suprahabsfan]

anyone?

 

[suprahabsfan]

And i've heard that the 89+ is more difficult as well

 

[MDCmotorsports]

Although possible to do it without removing, I recommend removing the upper plennum.

It makes life much easier.

Just remember to disconnect the battery first.

 

[soundwave2000]

I don't know if my 87 is different, but I was able to maneuver it in a way to bring it out through the bottom.

 

[suprahabsfan]

how difficult is removing the upper plenum?

 

[TurboWarrior]

Its not that hard. For an amature its a bit to remember for putting it back together. And in the end it may or may not save you time.

But if you don't pull the upper manifold the starter has to be removed through the bottom of the car. It will not fit out the top.

This is the best image i could find right now on tsrm. There should be a bit of a walkthrough somewhere. (Bottom right)

 

[suprahabsfan]

Thank you, I'll have to investigate which will be the best in the long run..... It just doesn't look like it will fit through anywhere...thanks for all the help...Any other tips/advice before I embark on this journey would be helpful

 

[TurboWarrior]

No problem its a job that involves little tricks that you otherwise have to learn through trial and error.

It comes out the bottom immediately below where the starter is mounted to the tranny. There is enough space. Some manuvouring may be involved.

I reach down from the top to get the lower bolt and nut off. With 2 wrenches. The one toward the rear i let hit the firewall or whatever and use the leverage to loosen the bolt. The upper one is the tricky one. I end up using a mile of extensions from below the altenator, through the space the main wiring harness runs through to the bolt. I reach my hand down to the nut with a wrench and hold it while turning the wratchet.

Then I get below the car and with the starter loose and laying on the engine frame I undo the terminal, After that just pull it out the bottom.

You can see why taking the intake mani off might be easier. But once you have a system either way it doesn't take near as long as the first time.

 

[IJ.]

89+ is easier as it's only bolts not nuts and bolts.

 

[TurboWarrior]

mines an 89 its nuts and bolts. Damn change-over years.

 

[suprahabsfan]

Thanks for all the replies! I'm gonna do it this weekend.

 

[3p141592654]

Remove the alternator and its a straight shot to the bolts using a ~2 foot extension.

 

[Poodles]

90 and up have the later model starter IIRC...

it's REALLY easy...

get under the car, remove the 4 bolts on the transmission crossmember (the ones that attach the crossmember to the frame), support the tranny while you do this.

Lower the tranny (I use a jack on the bottom of the crossmember to raise and lower it). Tranny will only come down so far. Get about 3' (yes, 3 FEET) worth of extensions, a swivel, and a 14mm socket, assemble and fed up to the bolts. Undo them. Disconnect the wires on the starter and pull it out (forgot how it comes out).

Reverse to install. If you have the old style starter, you have to fish a damn wrench up in there to hold the nut...

 

[ms07s]

Thanks for all the replies! I'm gonna do it this weekend.

Trust me if you have access to a lift its relatively simple but on the ground its a pain :cry: The starter has to go out through the bottom if you don't want to remove anything.