Cannot get starter by frame for removal - Cars & Trucks

Gasoline Engines One of your positive battery cables leads to starter motor.
NOTE: The starters on some engines require the addition of shims to provide proper clearance between the starter pinion gear and the flywheel. These shims are available in 0.015 in. (0.4mm) sizes from Buick, Oldsmobile and Pontiac dealers. Flat washers can be used if shims are unavailable.

1. Important: disconnect the negative battery cable before proceeding.
2. Raise the vehicle to a convenient working height and safely support it with jackstands.
3. Remove the exhaust crossover pipe.
4. Disconnect all wiring from the starter solenoid. Replace each nut as the connector is removed, as thread sizes differ from connector to connector. Tag the wires for later connection.
5. Remove the flywheel housing cover and disconnect the oil cooler lines at the transmission, if necessary.
6. Starter removal on certain models may necessitate the removal of the frame support. This support runs from the corner of the frame to the front crossmember. To remove:
   1. Loosen the mounting bolt that attaches the support to the corner of the frame.
   2. Loosen and remove the mounting bolt that attaches the support to the front crossmember and then swing the support out of the way.
   3. Install the crossmember and mounting bolts. Torque the bolts to 80 ft. lbs. (109 Nm).
7. Remove the front bracket from the starter and the two mounting bolts. On engines with a starter solenoid heat shield, remove the front bracket upper bolt and detach the bracket from the starter.
8. Remove the front bracket bolt or nut. Lower the starter front end first, then remove the unit from the vehicle.
9. Installation is the reverse of removal. Make sure that any shims removed are replaced (please refer to the shimming procedure). Torque the two mounting bolts to 25-35 ft. lbs. (34-48 Nm). Connect the starter wires and install heat shields if removed. Fig. 1: It may be necessary to remove the flywheel cover on some models to remove the starter

Gasoline Engines The starters on some engines require the addition of shims to provide proper clearance between the starter pinion gear and the flywheel. These shims are available in 0.015 in. (0.4mm) sizes from Buick, Oldsmobile and Pontiac dealers. Flat washers can be used if shims are unavailable.

1. Important: disconnect the negative battery cable before proceeding.
2. Raise the vehicle to a convenient working height and safely support it with jackstands.
3. Remove the exhaust crossover pipe.
4. Disconnect all wiring from the starter solenoid. Replace each nut as the connector is removed, as thread sizes differ from connector to connector. Tag the wires for later connection.
5. Remove the flywheel housing cover and disconnect the oil cooler lines at the transmission, if necessary.
6. Starter removal on certain models may necessitate the removal of the frame support. This support runs from the corner of the frame to the front crossmember. To remove:
   1. Loosen the mounting bolt that attaches the support to the corner of the frame.
   2. Loosen and remove the mounting bolt that attaches the support to the front crossmember and then swing the support out of the way.
   3. Install the crossmember and mounting bolts. Torque the bolts to 80 ft. lbs. (109 Nm).
7. Remove the front bracket from the starter and the two mounting bolts. On engines with a starter solenoid heat shield, remove the front bracket upper bolt and detach the bracket from the starter.
8. Remove the front bracket bolt or nut. Lower the starter front end first, then remove the unit from the vehicle.
9. Installation is the reverse of removal. Make sure that any shims removed are replaced (please refer to the shimming procedure). Torque the two mounting bolts to 25-35 ft. lbs. (34-48 Nm). Connect the starter wires and install heat shields if removed.

According with the repairt guide, check this porocedure to REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

1. Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery.

Fig. Exploded view of the starter motor mounting - 5S-FE engine shown, others similar (click image for zoom)

1. On some early models with cruise control, you may have to remove the battery.
2. Also on some models with cruise control, remove the actuator cover and disconnect the wiring harness. Remove the three bolts and then lift out the cruise control actuator. Remove the bracket from beneath the actuator and put aside.
3. Peel the rubber boot away and remove the nut and disconnect the negative battery cable from the magnetic switch terminal on the starter. Disconnect the electrical connector also located on the magnetic switch.
4. Support the starter by hand and remove the two mounting bolts.
5. Remove the starter from the transaxle.

To install:

1. Place the starter motor in the transaxle and support by hand.
   
2. Install the two mounting bolts and tighten them to 29-31 ft. lbs. (39-42 Nm).
   
3. Connect the connector to the magnetic switch. Place the battery cable on the switch terminal and install the nut. Tighten the nut and position the rubber boot over the cable.
   
4. Using the ignition switch, "bump" the starter over a few times and check for proper operation.

SOLENOID OR RELAY REPLACEMENT
The starter solenoid (magnetic switch) is an integral part of the starter assembly.

1. Remove the starter from the car. Remove the heat insulator from the starter assembly, if equipped.
   
2. Disconnect the wire lead from the magnetic switch terminal.
   
3. Remove the two long, through bolts holding the field frame to the magnetic switch. Pull out the field frame with the armature from the magnetic switch.
   
4. On 1.0 kW starters, remove the felt seal. On 1.4 kW starters, remove the O-ring.
   
5. To remove the starter housing from the magnetic switch assembly:
   
1. On 1.0 kW starters, remove the two screws and the starter housing with the idler gear and clutch assembly.
   
2. On 1.4 kW units, remove the two screws and the starter housing with the pinion gear, idler and clutch assembly.

To install:

1. If necessary, install the gears and clutch assembly to the starter housing. Apply grease to the gear and clutch assemblies and:
   
1. On 1.0 kW starters, place the clutch assembly, idler gear and bearing in the starter housing.
   
2. On 1.4 kW starters, place the clutch assembly, idler gear, bearing and pinion gear in the starter housing.


2. Insert the spring into the clutch shaft hole and place the starter housing onto the magnetic switch. Install the two screws.
3. On 1.0 kW units, install the felt seal on the armature shaft. On 1.4 kW units, install the O-ring on the field frame.
   
4. Install the field frame with the armature onto the magnetic switch assembly and install the two through bolts.

NOTE There is a protrusion or tab on each part; make sure you line them up correctly.

1. Connect the wire to the terminal on the magnetic switch. Install the heat insulator, if equipped.
   
2. Reinstall the starter on the vehicle. Check starter system for proper operation.

Hope this helps (remember to rating and leave a testimonial comment about this answer).

start by diconnecting the negative battery terminal, Locate the starter under the truck, should be 2 bolts verticaly though the starter. Loosen both of the bolts but do not remove them. On top of the starter their should be a large and a small wire connected disconnect both of them ( if u cant reach or see them remove the starter by taking out the 2 verticle bolts then remover wires) once bolts and wires are off the starter just wiggle it into postion and remove between the motor/ exausht and frame. Try to remember how it comes out will make it simpler to fit going back in. if thier isnt enough clearence u may have to notch the frame or loosen the motor mounts and raise the engine slight with a floor jack.,

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise and safely support the vehicle with jackstands.
3. Tag and disconnect the wiring at the starter.
4. If necessary, turn the front wheels fully to the right. On some later models it will be necessary to remove the frame brace. On many models, it will be necessary to remove the two bolts retaining the steering idler arm to the frame to gain access to the starter.
5. Unfasten the starter mounting bolts, then remove the starter from the vehicle.

To install:

1. Position the starter motor to the engine, then secure with the retaining bolts. Tighten the mounting bolts to 12-15 ft. lbs. (16-20 Nm) on starters with 3 mounting bolts and 15-20 ft. lbs. (20-27 Nm) on starters with 2 mounting bolts.
2. If removed, tighten the idler arm retaining bolts to 28-35 ft. lbs. (38-47 Nm).
3. Connect the starter cable to the motor. Tighten to 70-110 inch lbs. (8-12 Nm).
4. Carefully lower the vehicle.
5. Connect the negative battery cable.

Starter - REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
Starter removal on some models may necessitate the removal of the front support which runs from the corner of the frame to the front crossmember. If so, loosen the mounting bolt which attaches the support the frame first, then remove the crossmember bolt and swing the support out of the way.

The starters on some engines require the addition of shims to provide proper clearance between the starter pinion gear and the flywheel. These shims are available in 0.015 in. sizes from Chevrolet dealers. Flat washers can be used if shims are unavailable.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise and support the vehicle safely using jackstands.
   

If access to the wiring is difficult, the starter may be partially lowered before disconnecting it, but be careful not to stretch or damage the wiring.

1. Disconnect all wiring from the starter solenoid. Replace each nut as the connector is removed, as thread sizes differ from connector to connector. Note or tag the wiring positions for installation purposes.
2. If equipped, remove the front bracket from the starter. On engines with a solenoid heat shield, remove the front bracket upper bolt and detach the bracket from the starter.
3. Remove the starter mounting bolts. If a starter shim tab can be seen protruding out from between the mating surfaces of the starter and the block, remove the outer bolt first, then loosen the inner bolt. With the outer bolt removed and the inner loosened, most shims may be grasped and pulled from the top of the starter at this point. Once the bolts are removed, lower the starter front end first, and remove the unit from the car.

If no shim tab could be seen, yet shims or flat washers fall from the starter as it is withdrawn, stop and attempt to determine their locations. If possible, gather the shims for reuse during assembly. Shims without tabs must be positioned on the starter prior to installation, but the bolts may be held through the starter assembly in order to hold the shims in position.


To install:

1. If flat washers or shims without tabs were found on removal, position them on top of the starter using the mounting bolts to hold them in position.
2. Position the starter to the engine block and loosely install the mounting bolts. If tabbed shims were withdrawn during removal, position them before the outer mounting bolt is threaded.
3. Once the starter and shims are properly positioned, tighten the two mounting bolts to 25-35 ft. lbs. (34-47 Nm).
4. If equipped, install the front bracket and/or heat shield to the starter assembly.
5. Attach the starter wiring to the solenoid, as noted during removal.
6. Remove the jackstands and carefully lower the vehicle.
7. Connect the negative battery cable.

STARTER OVERHAUL
Drive Replacement

1. Disconnect the field coil straps from the solenoid.
   
2. Remove the through-bolts, and separate the commutator end frame, field frame assembly, drive housing, and armature assembly from each other.
   

On diesel starter, remove the insulator from the end frame. The armature on the diesel starter remains in the drive end frame. On diesel starters, remove the shift lever pivot bolt. ON the diesel 25 MT starter only, remove the center bearing screws and remove the drive gear housing from the armature shaft. The shift lever and plunger assembly will now fall away from the starter clutch.

1. Slide the two piece thrust collar off the end of the armature shaft.
2. Slide a suitably sized metal cylinder, such as a standard 1 / 2 in. pipe coupling, or an old pinion, onto the shaft so that the end of the coupling or pinion butts up against the edge of the pinion retainer.
3. Support the lower end of the armature securely on a soft surface, such as a wooden block, and tap the end of the coupling or pinion, driving the retainer towards the armature end of the snapring.
4. Remove the snapring from the groove in the armature shaft with a pair of pliers. Then, slide the retainer and starter drive from the shaft.

To assemble:

1. Lubricate the drive end of the armature shaft with silicone lubricant and then slide the starter drive onto the shaft with the pinion facing outward. Slide the retainer onto the shaft with the cupped surface facing outward.
2. Again support the armature on a soft surface, with the pinion at the upper end. Center the snapring on the top of the shaft (use a new snapring if the original was damaged during removal). Gently place a block of wood flat on top of the snapring so as not to move it from a centered position. Tap the wooden block with a hammer in order to force the snapring around the shaft. Then, slide the ring down into the snapring groove.
3. Lay the armature down flat on the surface you're working on. Slide the retainer close up on to the shaft and position it and the thrust collar next to the snapring. Using two pairs of pliers on opposite sides of the shaft, squeeze the thrust collar and the retainer together until the snapring is forced into the retainer.
4. Lube the drive housing bushing with a silicone lubricant. Then, install the armature and the clutch assembly into the drive housing, engaging the solenoid shift lever yoke with the clutch, and positioning the front of the armature shaft into the bushing.
   

On non-diesel starters the shift lever may be installed in the drive gear housing first. On the 25 MT diesel starter only, install the center bearing screws and the shift lever pivot bolt, and tighten securely.

1. Apply a sealing compound approved for this application onto the drive housing; then position the field frame around the armatures shaft and against the drive housing. Work slowly and carefully to prevent damaging the starter brushes.
2. Lubricate the bushing in the commutator end frame with a silicone lubricant, place the leather brake washer onto the armature shaft, and then slide the commutator end frame over the shaft and into position against the field frame. Line up the bolt holes, then install and tighten the through-bolts.
3. Reconnect the field coil straps to the MOTOR terminal of the solenoid.
   

If replacement of the starter drive fails to cure improper engagement of starter pinion to flywheel, there are probably defective parts in the solenoid and/or shift lever. The best procedure would probably be to take the assembly to a shop where a pinion clearance check can be made by energizing the solenoid on a test bench. If the pinion clearance is incorrect, disassemble the solenoid and shift lever, inspect, and replace worn parts.

Hope this help.

You may have to remove cooling fan assembly and bring starter out through the top. Did you remove splash guard between frame abd front of chassis. Should come out that way.

1. Raise the vehicle so you can safely get underneath. The starter is typically located under the engine near the transmission mating surface. DON'T RELY ON A CHEAP JACK! Use drive on ramps or jack stands safely positioned on the frame, and lock the parking brake AND chock the rear wheels to keep it from rolling.
2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery to remove voltage from the system. Don't want to arc yourself to the frame when you disconnect the cables from the starter!
3. Locate the starter motor and remove the nut that holds the starter cable in place, remove the cable and position it out of the way.
4. Disconnect the solenoid connector...the smaller of the two wires going to the starter.
5. Remove the bolts holding the starter to the mount...usually 2, sometimes 3.
6. Remove the old starter.
7. Carefully compare the old to the new...make sure they match.
8. Install the new starter...thread all the mounting bolts in hand tight, then torque them to the specification listed in the service manual.
9. Reconnect the two wires you removed earlier.
10. Reconnect the battery.
That should do it! Hope this helps...

Look under the hood on the pass. side and down by the frame you will see the main power wire that runs from the batt. down to the starter.There is a wire clamp that has a 13mm bolt which secures the wire to the frame.Taking this off will allow more slack to pull the starter down further to access the wire.

If you're talking about the frame that sit under the oil pan, you simply remove it, there 2 bolts that hold it on each side.