Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Maintenance Replacing the starter motor

I'm about to replace the starter motor, and did a search in the earlier posts on how to do it. I removed the battery, battery tray, airbox, filter, the mass airflow sensor (?) section of the intake. But I can still barely even see the starter itself let alone try to take it out. Has anyone done it lately who can give me a quick rundown what to do next? Or is really the best approach to work kinda blind at this point and remove the bolts, etc like that? Also a list of recommended tools would be greatly appreciated.

Remove the 2 bolts the connect the black cable to the starter. A 13mm and a 10 I think. The starter is bolted to the trans with 2 13mm bolts on the later models. A gear wrench is your friend here.

First disconnect the battery and remove. Then remove the air cleaner assembly up the MAF. Then I partially drain the radiator and then remove the hoses that run over the starter. I tie back the large hose that goes to the radiator. the other two I loop back to the firewall. At that point you can reach the front bolt with closed end wrench. A 3/8" drive socket should be sufficent to remove the back bolt. I slip the starter out under the fuel lines. I know the book says to remove the fuel lines, I dont. That way the fuel system does not need recharged. I have gotten to the point that it is 40 minutes start to finish. The first time I was into the starter it took 10 mins. just to find the #$%$$# starter.

Thanks for the info guys, I'll hopefully get to it this weekend!

Dan,
When you say "partially drain" the coolant, can you be more specific? There are a couple of hoses that run over the starter - are saying we should disconnect those and pour the radiator fluid into a container from that hose, or is there another way to do it without sending coolant all over the engine block?
I too would like to avoid messing with the fuel system.

drain it from the petcock underneath... OR.. just undo the hose and lift it up, tie it back and only lose about 2 oz, if you are quick!

im actually doing the same thing, and i didnt remove the fuel line, just unplug the big rad hose around there. the back 13mm was quit hard to get at first.. but i succeded to remove it, im currently waiting for the new one so i hope to replace it there will be as easy.