Small high torque starter motor

[RichardF]

I have just finished fitting one of new small, high torque starter motors purchased from Ratsport. Only two problems encountered. These were the auto-box cooling pipes in the way and the captive bolt in the starter motor; the latter being a pig's orphan to tighten up. If the auto-box pipes were not there at all, I imagine the job to be pretty easy. However, they will usually be in situ when changing a starter motor.
At least, with the smaller profile, I could get my hands, and hence fingers, to the bolts - that helped. Also it is much lighter than the original - that also helps. Fortunately (?), the captive bolt is the lower one of the two, so you can see what you are doing. I found holding the motor to get the lower one in as far as possible, then go for the top one; don't tighten this one up just yet. Once the lower is as tight as you can get it, finally tighten the top one. With luck you will only need to turn the lower one a flat or two after to send it home.
Richard
Southampton

[Phil Nottingham]

Good how does it peform?

Its not a captive bolt - its a thread in the bellhousing - its quite a difficult job with the proper motoy anyway as this is bigger and much heavier and unweildy

[harvey]

If I remember rightly the correct bolts to retain the starter had a slot cut across the head so that they could be wound in using a screwdriver. Both bolts thread into the block.

[RichardF]

I have only started the engine a few times to check the new starter out. It does seem more responsive and the engine started up instantly.
What I meant by a captive bolt is that this new starter motor comes with a bolt already in the lower securing hole during manufacture/assembly as you cannot get it out at all; it is this that makes it awkward to screw in. You have no access to the top face of the bolt to either cut a slot in or even put a screwdriver to it as the motor body impedes this.

Richard
Southampton

[Phil Nottingham]

I see what you mean - price apart there had to be another catch ;D