Help! Starter installation giving me fits!

[Nathan in MI]

Okay, first let me say this: I know this is an easy job and there's NO reason it should be this difficult. I've even done it before and not had a problem. So, if you're going to post a response where you call me an idiot for not being able to do this, don't bother. I won't be a good sport about it.

With that out of the way, I'm trying to replace the starter on the CV (it crapped out...again...) but I can't get the #&#%@&%$ thing in there. The crossmember that goes underneath the engine makes it such that there just isn't room to get the thing in there, and I can't seem to get it to go in from either end. WTF am I doing wrong??? I've done this job before and it's not been difficult...is there some trick to it? I'm incredibly close to being ready to just give up altogether...

[torquelover]

IIRC, ass end up into opening, swing up front and insert into hole.

[phayzer5]

Yeah, something like that..i just know its alot of twisting and turning to get it wedged up in the space you have so that itll go in straight.

[Nathan in MI]

That's basically what I've been doing. It'd probably help if I could get the car into the garage, and if my fingers weren't frozen solid. Stupid winter. At any rate, I gave up for today. Just sick of fighting with it.

[351wcrayz]

Plug it in, Plug it in.....

[mrltd]

Wonder if your motor mounts are that bad....

And if the starter is the correct one..

the backside (end not at the trans) up first then swing the snout into the hole....

[Nathan in MI]

Starter is identical to what came out of there...I last had it out sometime in September or October and had no problems...I think it's just further proof of my theory that winter freezes your brain and turns you into a moron, because I know how easy this job is.

[mrltd]

Well there could be plenty of things causing the issue. Could be motor/trans mounts that are bad and the motor trans is messing with clearances.

[Nathan in MI]

Then why did the old starter come out with no problems yesterday?

[mrltd]

Dunno. Guess your brain is frozen....

[Nathan in MI]

My thoughts exactly...or, well, they would be, if my brain was working.

I'm seriously ready to just give up.

[mrltd]

are you tring to install it on the drivers side?

[Nathan in MI]

Thank you so much for making fun of me, it's extremely helpful.

[mrltd]

Thank you so much for making fun of me, it's extremely helpful.

Well, I tossed out a bunch of options.

Seriously, I have no idea. Maybe you aren't aligning the bendix cover properly to get it shoved up there. If we had some pics ofthe engine/trans it might help.... It almost sounds like its the large case early starter, but you already stated both are the same....

[351wcrayz]

Is the new starter a DIRECT REPLACEMENT? If not that could be your problem, along with what Mike said....