I'm going to be changing my alternator and starter motor today as they are both playing up, as well as a couple of other little bits. Just want to check a couple of things first.

When changing the starter motor, is it as easy as unbolting the old one and bolting on the new?? Do i need to grease the new one first? And do i need to drain the oil?? Basics i know, but I've never changed a starter before, so worth asking IMO.

 

Also, does anyone know the size, or better yet part number, for the alternator belt? Worth renewing that while i change the alternator i think.

 

Lastly, anyone in my area fancy getting dirt under their fingernails? :p I don't really need help, but the extra hands are always good, plus a bit of company would be nice too :p

the starter motor is just a straight swap matey, 10 minutes of a job, make sure you disconnect the battery first tho, not sure about the alternator belt...

not a bad job, but fiddly, disconnect battery, remove power lead to rear of unit, has a round flat connector on held on with a 10 or 12 mm nut.

on some starters there is a heat shield on the side,held on by 3 x 8mm nuts, if rusted they more than likely snap of. this will need to be reomved to get access to the two large nuts holing it on.

When refitting, make sure that the motor is engaged correctly as it should sit face flush to the gearbox.

 

Alternator, is an awkward one. remove under tray to bet better access, jack up the zed.undo the adjuster at the bottom and loosen off, unloosen the 2 x 14mm bolts holding to engine, now it gets hard.

at the top of the alternator is a long 14mm bolt.that is secured by a nut at the back which is near impossible to access unless you have small hands that can bend in unknown directions. gettting it off is one thing, but putting back way worse. You will need to slacken of all aux belts to replace the fan belt. if its ok, i would leave.

If you smoke gets lots of ciggies, and a good supply of tea or coffee.

stu

ahhh yea, i didnt think of that, the alternator belt is the last behind a series of aux belts. None of them need to be in a certain possition like the cam belt does though do they, so i dont suppose it will hurt to undo them all haha

i would come and supervise , but i have a footy match and work later, and also no zed till the gearbox gets done. :D

Excelent! Well, its off to buy a belt, then its time to start. Hopfully all goes well. I'll be back if i hit a problem :p

I'll be back if i hit a problem :p

 

Yep that will be your knuckles then............:taz:

In regards to the starter, what are the symptoms? If you finding it occasionaly slips/makes a noise/not fully engaging you may find its one of the starter motor bolts thats the issue.

 

Its a very common issue on Z's that the threads get stripped out of the gearbox caseing that the starter bolts into. If thats the case you'll need to retap it, I think its an M12, so would need taking up a size with new matching bolt. The first sign is that the bolt starts working its way loose from general vibration, and when this happens movement from the starter ventually strips the thread. If the thread is ok but the bolt is loose get yourself some threadlock for it.

 

The same symptoms can be had if the spring mechanism within the starter has failed, but thought I would mention the thread holes as I've come across the problem a lot.

 

and I know others have said it but make sure you disconnect the battery. The starter has a large direct feed straight to the battery, you'll have sparks flying everywhere if not disconnected.

Edited December 11, 201015 yr by Yowser

GOOD NEWS!! Starter motor replaced with only minimal swearing! :D Sounds alot better starting now, no horrid grinding noise.

Unfortunately after assessing the position of the alternator i decided against trying to change it myself lol :p

Plus my neighbour decided to wash his car so i had to lie in a puddle of water for 2 hours haha

Some people have no consideration! LOL!:biggrin: