Topic: Replacing Car Starter Question

[campbmic]

I'm replacing the starter in my girlfriends 2000 Saturn SC1. I replaced a starter in my old truck and it was such a pain getting into the area but this one was even worse! Anyways, the starter is held on by two bolts and after removing the second bolt it some how vanished. I've spent about 2 hours looking everywhere for it and just can't find it.

I put the starter back in and started the car a few times with the one bolt tightened down holding the starter in. The other bolt is such a pain to get in and I would have to special order it so my question is do I really need this bolt? Could it damage my car to only have one bolt holding the starter in?

Thanks!

[azuredesign]

Well, I would be concerned that the single bolt would loosen allowing the starter pinion gear to not fully engage the flywheel. This could easily cause either pinion or flywheel teeth to wear prematurely or break. In short, yeah, I'd get another bolt and clear out whatever you have to to get it in. Sorry!!

[Markcb750]

Not a good Idea, a lot of torque and shock comes through those bolts, if one would work, Saturn would not have spent the money two.

I hate it when stuff disappears while I am working, I blame it on my age.

[seaweb11]

The torque that gets put out each time the starter is used is "A LOT"

It will fail with only one bolt/nut..........just a matter of time.

P.S. Was this a serious question

[TwoTired]

You already know the answer.  It wouldn't have two bolts unless it needed them.

[campbmic]

But its such a pain to get all the way back behind the starter and wiggle it in it honestly took me about an hour to get it out!

My mechanical side new that it was critical that the starter not wiggle at all when turning but my optimistic side hoped deep down that I wouldnt have to replace it.

[seaweb11]

Go remove a few nuts on her wheels..................can't possibly need them all .......

[campbmic]

Great point seaweb