Starter Removal Help

[bordin34]

I'm in the middle of replacing the starter on my Charger and I have a couple problems. My real problem is the removal of the old starter. It is a full size starter and is impossible to remove from my 400 with headers. In my infinite wisdom I decided to try to take the starter out in pieces. So I first removed those long bolts on the end of it to try to just remove the plate at the very end. Needless to say that only succeeded in making the starter longer. So next I decided to try to remove the headers on the drivers side, I unbolt all of the bolts. Also unbolt the drivers side motor mounts and jack the motor up, headers still don't come out, the power steering box is in the way. So I remove the pressure hose in hopes to gain a little bit more room and apparently there are some o-rings on it that are now toast. My next idea was to remove the passenger side motor mounts and jack up the entire engine. So I remove the bolt by the alternator very easily, next was the further back one, bu the headers are in the way and I can't get enough leverage to loosen the bolt. I tried loosening the big bolt on the bottom of the mount and nothing it went nowhere. So here I am currently with 3 bolts to the motor mounts removed and the starter in pieces. Any advice, I'm thinking I might have to pull the motor once I get that last bolt out.

[chargerbr549]

On my 69 with Hooker Comp headers and big block I took the steering column out and the mini-starter slid right in and out with the headers bolted up and I think it probably would work with the big starter also but with the headers loosened up abit but I don't know for sure.

Kevin

[62 Max]

Did you have to remove anything to install headers? If so you should jusr reverse the procedure.

[bordin34]

I finally go the old big starter out, in five pieces. What happened was one of the things on the commutator shorted. I have the new starter in now all I have to do is reinstall the header, I am praying they are not hedmens I just found out they dont work with a mini starter.

[bordin34]

It came out in this many pieces.

[bordin34]

So I have given up on getting the mini starter to fit with header. I am now looking to buy another full size starter. For the full size starter, do I have to remove the headers entirely that is my problem with the mini I have to dent the headers but in order to remove the headers I need to drop the center link and take out my steering box and shaft. So what would the best starter for me be? I read somewhere that the slant 6 one was shorter, would that be easier to install and work fine for me?

[srpntlair1]

Bordin, good luck on this. a 400 + 3rd Gen charger + headers = PAIN IN THE ARSE starter issues. mine takes 3 men and a boy to change it along with all the steps you used with the motor mounts. Best advise, throw away the headers you've got and splurge on TTI.
With the aftermarket headers I have, basically, jack the motor mount as high as it will go on driver side. remove header completely, may have to remove center link. Then 2 people, while holding the starter against the header slide them up into place, while holding up in air 3rd person starts the rear header bolt, while the little boy is sitting on the fender in the air and starts the front header bolt. Also a set of percy's exhaust manifold gaskets help alot as they are hooked on the flange at the front and the back.
once the header is bolted in you can manouver the starter where you need it as it will not fall out on you.
one side note, this is only beneficial if you have access to a car lift. If done correctly install should take no less than an hour.

[Sixt8Chrgr]

Man that is a real pita for a set of headers. Put manifolds on the car and save yourself a heart attack. I would be so pissed after that exercise I could not see straight.
Glad I have a second gen, stock no headers and a good starter.
Good luck. I hope you get it on.

[Runner]

i can  swing a starter on a big block car with headers in less than hour easy.   jack the front up, pull the motor mount bolt out, pull the drivers side plugs, pull the header loose, jack the motor up and wiggle the starter out, wiggle the new one in and reistall everything. easy as pie.

[bordin34]

This is my first time replacing a starter so its gonna take a good deal longer.  I went to the auto parts store today for a /6 starter and they had one in stock. The only problem was they only have one part number for all the B/RB LA/A and /6 engines, so it was a long starter.