98 Corolla 1ZZ-FE starter/solenoid removal

[dondawg00]

Hey all,

I can't find no definitive answer to this question anywhere. I am going to be replacing a starter on a 98 corolla, my question is what is the best way to remove it? From the top or the bottom? I hear the bottom from some people and the top from some people. Also, the mounting bolts, 2 or 3? If there is 3, is one of the reverse thread? Any suggestions are appreciated

[huangxin]

it's probably doable from the bottom up, but i highly recommend removing the intake manifold and just do it from above. it's a lot less frustrating.

once the intake manifold is off, the starter is basically in front of you. you might need to get under the car to remove the nut holding the electrical wire to the starter, but that's about it. it's held on by 2 bolts. both are regular bolts (clockwise tighten, counter loosen). just that they are threaded in opposite directions.

once the manifold is off, everything will explain itself.

[dondawg00]

Thanks for the tip, I was hoping I could do it without taking the IM off because I dont want to screw up the gasket, ill just be easy with it and maybe use some RTV if I need it. Thanks for your help man I really appreciate it, its nice to get a solid answer. Ill let you know how it goes.

[huangxin]

don't worry, it's pretty hard to screw up the intake manifold gasket. if you are really worried, just buy a new one (it's like 10 bucks). the surfaces are a lot easier to clean than the exhaust side. just use some soapy water, wipe them clean, you are good to go as long as you torque them down and from inside out (5 bolts, start with center, then move to the outer ones).

oh, don't forget to drain the coolant before hand, so you won't make a mess or kill animals lol

[dondawg00]

Done!!

I unbolted the IM off the head, and unbolted the cover and the wire loom for the injectors and the injector clips. I didnt take the IM completly out, I left the throttle body and the throttle and cruise cables connected, I used a string to hold the IM out of the way and tied the other end to the hood latch lol. That gave me enough room to get in there and take it out. I am glad I took your advice, and yeah that gasket was strong, bolted it right back up, no vacuum leaks. I capped off the upper rad hose and inlet, only alittle antifreeze got out, I topped it off after I was done and washed off anything left. Your right, I know that shit can kill LOL

What I didnt realize was one bolt was in one way and one was the other way, now I know what you mean by them being threaded opposite. taking out the IM made it soooo much easier. Thanks agian man. I appreciate that.

The only thing I wish I did differently was I wish I just would of rebuilt the soleniod instead of buying a whole starter assy. Oh well, you live and you learn.

[craig01b]

All of this just for a starter. Engineers should have thier knuckles skinned for this one. When I looked at this job, I sort of figured this was the easiest way. I was hoping I was wrong, but thanks for the info.




Craig B

[omairtheman1]

LMFAO.... no need to remove intake manifold

just take out the radiator fan and all supports...

bottom engine cover....

and thats it...

its opposing bolts so you have to remove the intake BOX

it took me about 35 minutes to get the starter out and about another 15 to get it in...

[craig01b]

Now I got it, starter was out on the bench in 20 minutes. I made the mistake of thinking bolt heads would be on the same side of the mounting face. Sneaky, I like it. I needed another coffee before I looked at it again.

Thanks,

C

[omairtheman1]

no problem brother... the first time i looked at it, it confused me a bit as well!

actually a smart design


are you getting it rebuilt or already bought a rebuilt one?

[omairtheman1]

extensions of all sizes and 12-14mm's are your friend during this removal

[craig01b]

No, I will rebuild it myself...thats the easy part...usually on those its just the copper contacts under the cover that are worn. 1.60 cents worth of bits, a little degreaser, and some moly in the right places, it'll be good as new.

I am a mechanic by trade, but, I have never seen a starter mounted from opposite sides of the tranny bellhousing??!! Hence the confusion.

Thanks for your help.

Craig

[craig01b]

Oh, and I did not remove fan shroud. Air filter housing out for access to the starter bolt on the opposite side of the bellhousing(two bolts there, its the 14mm most forward). Spash shroud on lower r/h side of engine. I ended up removing the lower rad hose for easier removal/install of starter. And disconnected the sensor on the oil filter housing (just in case I slipped)....

Craig

[omairtheman1]

yah its not necessary to remove the fan shroud... i just did it to give myself a little bit of room

sometimes the 5 minutes shroud removal gives u an advantage in the workspace

i also removed the oil pressure sensor but not the lower radiator hose if i remember correctly :S

[craig01b]

Yup, it would of been the fan shroud, or the lower rad hose.....The young lady who owns the car, was tickled pink at the price of fixing the starter.

C

[srspicer]

I just changed the starter and removed the air filter box, worked perfectly. No need to remove the headers or anything else.

Thanks for posting this!

Scott