How do you change a starter on a 1991 Chevy Caprice?

Answer 1

First disconnect the negative battery cable at the battery for safety.

Then verify that transmission is in park and parking brake is firmly set.

Block the rear wheels, then raise and support the front of the car by the frame until at a comfortable height to work under.

At the bottom front of the transmission is a semicircular cover over the flywheel. Remove the four bolts (3/8" head I believe) and the cover.

Remove the nuts securing the wires to the starter at the two studs. Then loosen the two vertical starter mounting bolts with 9/16th inch heads. Remove any shims, then remove the two large bolts and the starter.

Set the new starter in place and snug up the two large bolts. Measure starter to flywheel clearance. The starter should include clearance measuring instructions, but if not present I believe the spec is 3/16". Install shims if necessary to increase clearance.

Tighten the two mounting bolts, then position the wires and tighten the nuts.

Connect the negative battery connection. Start the engine, then shut it off while listening for noise. Disconnect the negative battery connection. A grinding noise usually indicates excessive flywheel to starter clearance or damaged flywheel. A metallic screaming banshee noise indicates too little clearance. Add or remove shims as needed.

Reinstall flywheel cover, then lower car to ground and reconnect battery.

Set clock and radio presets.