so i have the gear reduction starter in hand, and hope to at least have the original starter out by tomorrow. Two questions:

1. for those of you that have installed a gear reduction starter in place of the original, is the 8 inch lengthening of the wires necessary, as outlined on bernard emden's site? Installing a Gear Reduction Starter

2. i'm reading a couple of other threads saying that the top bolt is a 9/16 12 point or an 11/16 (or maybe a 1/2) 12 point.

this is the post that quotes 11/16:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...engage-120816/

is it possible that this is not a 7/16 bolt?

 

That bolt is a 12 point, whatever it is. I think its a 1/2". I have a 89, and I didn't lengthen my wires. What I had to do however, was put the main wire on the starter, then bolt the starter in place. Its the only way it would work.

 

thanks supercharge. i suppose i'll pick up a set with each of them, just to be sure.

did you use in sequence?

12point socket -> flex joint -> 18 inch extender -> ratchet

i was thinking of waiting for the combination flex + 12 point socket, but i'd like to get this started and the flex combination wont be here till next week.

 

Thats exactly what I used. I will try and let you know exactly the size tomorrow. I have a couple of those bolts at my shop. You can't really even feel it. You have to just sort of blindly put it up in there, and it just happens. I'm guessing the 12 point is due to how tight the area between the bellhousing and bolt head is. Takes a thin walled socket to get on there.

 

thanks again.

 

Yeah. 7/16. 12 point.
Halfway there.
I'd actually say that removing the rusty exhaust was more difficult than that. Not that I'd ever want to do it again.
Have the new starter in now. Just need to replace that ridiculous bolt, tighten everything and put the exhaust back.

 

I am sincerely sorry for not getting back to you. Being such a gearhead as I am, I forgot all about it being thankgiving weekend, with family and all coming over...didn't make it to my shop. Glad you got it, and yes, it is a real pain, as in most things Jaguar

 

no worries.
i started with the 7/16 and it slid right on.
i used the 7/16 12 point -> universal flex joint -> 10 inch extender -> 6 inch extender


someone in a previous post mentioned that the starter sounds a bit funny, but starts the engine up every time. I can report the same.
also, there appears to have been a draw on the alternator previously, as now it runs well over 14 by the dash indicator.

while pulling the exhaust and starter i noted that i actually have an oil leak from directly above that was dripping onto the starter and mucking up the connections. this was likely the cause of the alternator draw and the possessed starter. now at least i know the cause and am not just chasing the symptoms.

as this was my first major repair underneath the car, i'd like to mention and thank the two entities other than you guys on this board without which, i'd probably still be monkeying around down there:
- bernard embden's site has a great write up for replacement of the starter and found it to be spot on with little deviation for my 91. great pictures too. the only differences: 1) i did not have to weld a nut to the new starter attachment plate, 2) i did not have to trim any bolts for it to seat and fit tightly
Installing a Gear Reduction Starter
- my only black friday purchase this year. if you don't have one of these you should get one. i've seen the light!
Defiant Multi-Function 130 Lumens LED Headlight (2 per Pack)-HD14Q408 at The Home Depot

 

Wonder if its that half moon seal at the back of the head?

 

That or leaking pressure senders, or the cam cover gaskets, or a leak through the ungasketed joint between the tappet block and the head. Or all of the above!

greg

 

hopefully it is that half moon.
when looking from above and then underneath, its a bit difficult to keep track of the physical locations of each of the various components.
this photo i found on the other forum (luckily its already credited) shows that half moon right above the starter location.