95wht6spd

Any tips for doing this? I have Kooks 1 7/8 headers, I have read the headers will have to be removed, but hoping I can just loosen.
I am gong to put heat shield wrap on new starter too.

Will I be able to do on race ramps, or do I need to use jack stands?

Thanks

Milan

I haven't tried it with my race ramps. Just diconnect the header at the head and underneath and it should wiggle enough to pull the starter out. If I remember right that side is the bitch side to get in so hopefully you don't have to pull it.

4DRUSH

Don't forget to disconnect the battery

Chicago1

Good luck!!! You going with a high output starter or did your take a dump?

95wht6spd

I have been having a sporadic no start issue since buying the car. The symptoms and that there are no codes set, leads me to believe it is the solenoid on starter. So just going to replace w a new one. The new one should deal w the header heat better, plus adding the shield, also an added benefit is the newer design has 2 long flanges for 2 long bolts to mount to block, as opposed to the original short bolt design, that sometimes breaks and takes a portion of the block with it. There is a current thread in the Tech Section regarding that problem.

Chicago1

Mine does the exact same thing. Does it click or make noise and you have to keep trying to start it before it finally starts? I replaced the solenoid and mine still does it. I got the solenoid off ebay for 28 bucks shipped so either I have a faulty solenoid or a bad ignition switch...

BoostSlam

I replaced my starter lat year with kooks headers already installed. I did it without removing the header completely. I removed all the bolts to the header and maneuvered the starter with the room it gave me. Pain in the *** but manageable. I used jack stands and would highly recommend not trying on race ramps as I haven't seen a set tall enough to give the clearance you will need.

95wht6spd

Yes, lights come on, I hear a small click like a relay around radio, but doesn't try to turn over. Sometimes it starts after a few times, or maybe an hour, or a day... Could be your starter is bad, but I would guess it is your ignition switch. That's why I am replacing whole starter, especially w how hard it is to get to. Could also be your theft deturrent relay. You can check from that point to see if it is powering starter by crossing some wires, if it does, you know it is back at the ignition. The starter and ignition seem to be two very common problems w these cars.

95wht6spd

Ok thanks, good to know. Hopefully I can leave them in and this won't be as much of a PIA as I am expecting.

4DRUSH

Pretty easy to clean the contacts up on the ignition switch.

95wht6spd

I have the headers disconnected but still in car, starter is out of block, but I cannot get it to drop down. Seems wires make it very hard to move, plus headers too. I thought there would be more slack in wires. Not enough room to disconnect wires. I fear I will have to remove header, and not sure how that would be done.

Any suggestions?

95wht6spd

Did some more research on installing Kooks, and it says to remove starter when installing, and to replace starter before bolting down headers. So must be able to remove w headers in car, but definitely need more room.

2003VETT

I have a msd starter for sale...http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...e-starter.html

NITRO UK

Hi
Could try and undo the the engine mount nut and jack the motor up on that side , just be careful while your under there bud .

StealthFRC

i replaced my starter when i replaced my motor because it was doing the same thing before and with the new starter and motor it still does it. i believe its the ignition switch because if i turn the key on multiple times it eventually starts right up.

Blow Torch

Mine wasn't bad, but I while I am swapping engines, I took mine to be rebuilt (completely) so I wouldn't have any future issues.

Could try and undo the engine mount nut and jack the motor up on that side

This is what you will need to do. I moved mine to install the KOOKs, (not the wires) and had to lift it to get the headers in, AND it gave me more room to get my hand by the header

95wht6spd

Thanks guys, I got it in. It was a PIA, the disconnecting and connecting of wires was the worst part. GM couldn't spare a few inches of wire to help w replacement... Rrrrrrr
Waiting to get new header gasket in, then tighten everything up, hopefully it will fix problem.

ascastil

I wonder if it would make it any easier on future repairs to just lengthen the wires a few inches while its out? I plan on doing headers soon, maybe some longer wires would help with the install.

95wht6spd

It would help a lot, and I considered it, but since they are up in the car, and 2 heavy gauge wires, it would be difficult to add good, sturdy, extensions, and would need some high temp wire. I hope to never have to do it again, but if it was something that would be removed often I would extend the wires.

FYi got it all back together again, and started right up. It would not start for 2 days pryor, so good sign it fixed issue, but time will tell.

SteveDoten@ARH

Post #10 by Jay is often overlooked, it can also be the corrosion on the 3 hot wires that attach to the solenoid.

Pretty much every C5 starter/wires I've seen at this point could use a cleaning.