Changing starter motor 4.5ltr without dislocating your arms

[R673SRV]

Has anyone replaced the starter motor on their Chimaera and if so do you have any advice?

I'm about to embark on this task on Saturday.

[Cider Andy]

If you have access to a ramp the job is so much easier. In fact I don't think you can do it without using at least a jack.

Disconnect the battery earth lead before you start: it's very easy to short the connections to the starter motor with catastrophic results.

[rev-erend]

Not done it on a Chim but did it on my SEAC the other week.

Just take the front drivers wheel off .. disconnect battery..

Job takes about an hour max.

Easy access with the wheel removed.

Edited by rev-erend on Thursday 24th August 17:04

[R673SRV]

Thanks guys.

I will let you have a progress report soon.

[paulathome]

Make sure you get a good allen key that fits nice and tight.
If you use a cheap one you may round off the bolt head as they are bl**dy tight.
Then yer knackered.
Just my tuppence worth.
Paul.

[R673SRV]

Paulathome.

You sound like you have the same luck I have.

Thanks for the heads up.

P.S. Is it easier to put the new one in then take the old one out?

[dlewis]

Rob

Much easier.

I found that I needed good fitting tools, extension pieces and leverage to break the initial tension.

So jack up on stands.

Mine had probably not been undone before.

I put back normal hex bolts also.

Check your fuse as well.

Dave

Edited by dlewis on Thursday 24th August 19:25

[kenny chim 4]

dlewis said:

Rob

Much easier.

I found that I needed good fitting tools, extension pieces and leverage to break the initial tension.

So jack up on stands.

Mine had probably not been undone before.

I put back normal hex bolts also.

Check your fuse as well.

Dave

You'll need a fairly long extention bar, on a ratchet, to reach the top hex bolt (the lower one's easy). Obviously disconnect the wiring at the front of the unit before you start (and take the live off the battery as previously mentioned).

One thing to bear in mind is that the starter motor is very heavy and it will drop suddenly. Take care not to damage one or other of these hex bolts when it drops