1990 2.5L Starter Removal?

[lexluthier72]

Hey all,

The starter on my 90 2.5L is going out. I got under it tonight to assess the situation of how it comes out. Looks like 2 bolts go straight up from underneath. Both bolts are in pretty close proximity to the edge of the flywheel opening. I can easily see getting the outer one off with a box wrench. Any tricks to get the other bolt out? (the one close to the engine, between the starter and the engine) Id really rather not have to remove the exhause to get it out. About the only thing I could come up with is a swivel and a "crows foot" on a ratchet. Any help/tricks would be great.

-Erin

[airspeed]

I changed my 88 2.5l in a couple of mimutes. As i remember I had a straight shot with a long extension and a socket, extenal torx. I don't remeber the exhaust being in the way, I will have to go out and look again.

[Geonovast]

IIRC the 2.5 starter has two stupid-special torx bolts that both thread upward into the block. Last time I pulled one, the exhaust wasn't a problem. Only have 12 pt sockets was.

[Guest]

I had to remove a support bar, as well as the flywheel cover to pull it out; you have to pull some real magic tricks to get the funky bolts bolts out without removing the flywheel cover. Re-installing it was slightly easier though.

 

I sure wish it was a 5 minute job.

 

 

[lexluthier72]

The funky bolts have been replaced with standard hex head bolts. The exhaust sure looks like it is in the way of the bolt closest to the engine. I also have a transmission support rod, but it does not look like it is in the way of it coming out.

[lexluthier72]

Took longer than expected. The bolts had been changed out to metric hex heads, (took a 14mm wrench) which were right up against the flywheel cover. For some reason, the flywheel cover would not come off. The exhaust was slightly in the way, also there is a transmission support rod in the way as well. At any rate, it is done now. IF I have to do it again, I'll be changing out the bolts for something easier to get a tool onto. It was also raining here....slowing us down considerably.

[airspeed]

I bet they used those external torx bolts for a reason, more room. They are the equilavent to a 10mm socket in size.

[lexluthier72]

We got done, and my buddy and I agreed that if it had not been too late to get them, we would have replaced them with the proper bolts. I think having the external torx bolts would have made this job very easy.

[tommy90]

Its called an inverted torx bolt.found that out when my 2.5s starter took a crap and had to buy the inverted torx socket.