Starter Removal 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera 3.1L engine

Trying to change the starter. can only see 1 bolt holding the starter on. the engine side of the starter is hidden by a cross member. It has some holes that may let me see the other bolt, I’m hoping. Gonna have to jack it up higher to see. what do you think?


3.1L Engine Starter Removal

*NOTE – Upon removal of starter, note if any shims are used. They should be reinstalled in their original location during installation if shims are used.

If starter is noisy during cranking, remove one .015 inch double shim or add one .015 inch single shim to the outer bolt. If starter makes a high pitched whine after firing, add .015 inch double shims until noise ceases.

3.1L Engine (VIN M)

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
  3. Remove the starter mounting bolts and lower the starter until the solenoid wiring is accessible.
  4. Disconnect the electrical leads.
  5. Remove the starter.

To install:

  1. Install the starter.
  2. Connect the electrical leads to the starter.
  3. Install the starter mounting bolts and tighten to 32 ft. lbs. (43 Nm).
  4. Lower the vehicle.
  5. Connect the negative battery cable.

 

3.1L Engine (VIN T)

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
  3. If equipped, remove the nut from the brace at the air conditioning compressor.
  4. If equipped, remove the nuts from the starter-to-engine brace.
  5. Remove the drain pan under the engine oil pan.
  6. Disconnect the oil pressure sending unit electrical connector and remove sending unit.
  7. Remove the oil filter.
  8. Take out the bolts from the flywheel inspection cover and then the inspection cover.
  9. Remove the bolts from the starter motor.
  10. Remove the starter motor and any shims.
  11. Disconnect the starter motor electrical connectors.

To install:

  1. Connect the starter motor electrical connectors.
  2. Install the starter motor and any shims.
  3. Install the starter motor attaching bolts. Tighten to 32 ft. lbs. (43 Nm).
  4. Install the flywheel inspection cover and attaching bolts.
  5. Install the oil filter.
  6. Attach the oil pressure sending unit. Connect the electrical wire.
  7. Bolt on the drain pan.
  8. Install the nuts to the starter-to-engine brace.
  9. Install the nut to brace at the air conditioner compressor.
  10. Lower the vehicle.
  11. Connect the negative battery cable.
  12. Check the engine oil level, add as required.

3 thoughts on “Starter Removal 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera 3.1L engine”

  1. This does not help. I have a cross member (welded in) covering half the starter with a 1/2 in. clearance if I’m lucky. Should I start looking at taking the motor mounts in the front out and rocking the motor towards the rear till I can get at the rear bolt?

  2. If you need to rock the engine, take some precautions.
    1) restrict movement of the vehicle by blocking the wheels or fully support on jack stands. Park brake is an option.
    2) PLACE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL!!! (damage will occur if this step is skipped)
    3) Then remove front engine mount and ratchet strap the engine forward

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