Hi all,

My starter seems to have failed on my '95 3.4L, no sounds when I engage the key ignition -- I noticed a fluid leaking from the starter bolts, dripping from above which seems to be engine coolant. Anyone know where this leak could be coming from specifically? I recently had my oil pan replaced, which required raising the engine -- do you think that could have something to do with this leak? That is my guess. It seems this leak may have gotten into the starter causing it to fail...

The Haynes sucks for the starter replacement steps and sparse pictures -- anyone replaced theirs? How much of a pain it is to get out once you take out the bolts? What all did you remove to get it out and the new one in?

TIA!

 

Possible head gasket leak, but I doubt it.. Betch ya its a core plug.

 

Yes, I think you are right -- most likely a rusted freeze plug, that would make the most sense...

Anyone replaced their starter? How much of a pain was it? What did you have to get out of the way to get it out?

 

thats what it is, theres is a freeze plug right above the starter. well u will have to remove the y pipe exhaust, then remove the starter.

 

Ok, update: my shop determined it's an intake manifold gasket leak -- which runs a ~$400 job... and the Starter apparently failed independent of the leak... :-( I'm not feeling too enthusiastic about doing that job myself, but a 1/4 bottle of Bar-Leak could hold off the inevitable for a little while...

 

The starter on my 94 was pretty easy. Didn't have to remove any exhuast. It's tight but not hard as long as you're reasonably mechanically inclimed. I did have to shim the second one I put in though just as a heads-up.