Starter Removal

[ralphcap]

Trying to remove the starter from my 1981 2000 FI. I have removed the two easy bolts. Working from under the spider, I can barely see a bolt on the top of the bell housing but it looks larger than 13 mm. I assume this is the last of the three bolts and that is removed like the other two - backing out the bell housing toward the rear of the car. Is this bolt 13mm? Any tips will be greatly appreciated.

[4uall]

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 965&p=3710

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 0&p=141657

[kolls]

And it is still a pain to take out and the worst is puttiing the top bolt back in ....good luck

[vandor]

The top bolt is also 13mm. It is actually not too bad. Slide one hand up next to the bellhousing and use it to guide the socket onto the bolt.
If you do it a few times it's really not that bad.

[courtenay]

If you're replacing the starter, think about putting in a gear reduction starter. They are much smaller and easier to install.
I think both Mark and Csaba (Autoricambi) carry them.

[azruss]

It helps to loosed the rear tranny mount and let it drop. gives a little more clearance to reach in with your hand and guide it. I use a normal 13mm socket followed by a universal and 18 to 24" of extension, then the ratchet. might help to put the easy ones back in until you get the upper one out.

[ralphcap]

Thanks everyone. I successfully removed the the last bolt and then the starter. Your tips were invaluable. Took the starter to Autozone and although it passed the tests, it sure sounded weak. New gear reduction starter for Christmas?

[nelsonj]

Gear reduction starters rock!!! If you have the bennies, I would not even consider and original monster. Search the electrical section for me. I swaped out and posted some side-by-side photos. About half the size and half the weight - and mine cranks like a gorilla. Do the swap if you have the cash - no question here!

[nelsonj]

Ok - here's the link
http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=19133