I have to replace the starter motor on my car. The local dealership (Calstar in Glendale, CA) wants $800.00 for the job, so I thought I would look into it myself.

After doing a quick visual, I see that sucker is pretty well crammed in there and the upper bolt looks like a real pain, being so close to the firewall. Are there any tricks/special tools involved in this job? If I do it, I would be doing the job in the garage of my complex with jack stands and hand tools.

Enrique at MB Motors in Tarzana gave me a much better quote, but the towing bill would be about $170.00 higher. I don't know of any decent shop (that I can trust) closer (Glendale/Atwater Village). The ironic thing is, the starter quit the day after the local Big "O" Tire shop did an oil change on the car (Filter directly above starter...hmmm).

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1993 190E 2.6 135k
1989 Ford Thunderbird SC 5 Spd 79K

this might sound silly...but did you try tapping it light with a hammer?

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1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


[/SIGPIC]

That was the first thing I did. I also disconnected the anti theft system and tried jumping it. All I get is one click.

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1993 190E 2.6 135k
1989 Ford Thunderbird SC 5 Spd 79K

I should have mentioned that all the grounds are good and I tried a jumper from the battery negative to the engine. Also checked the positive from the battery to the starter and all was well.

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1993 190E 2.6 135k
1989 Ford Thunderbird SC 5 Spd 79K