I just changed out the starter on our 87 XJS, wasn't too difficult. After removing the RH exhaust, worst part of the job, it was pretty straight forward. I did not lower the back of the transmission or remove the filler tube. With the setup in the photo, long 3/8 drive extension, u-joint and a 7/16 12 point deep socket, I was able to access the top starter bolt. I did not remove the bolt from the bellhousing as it would have been really difficult to get it back in place, just backed it out of the starter. This is a LH drive car but i don't think access to the bolt would be much different with a RH drive car.

 

Hello everyone,
I recently replaced my starter motor on my 1992 XJS V12 5.3L after the old one failed due to heat damage - the internal magnets had completely detached from the housing because the adhesive melted.
After seeing the damage, I suspected the exhaust heat was the culprit, so I fabricated an aluminum heat shield that sits between the exhaust and the starter motor (from below/side), with about 2-3 cm clearance for airflow.
However, after reading Greg in France’s excellent thread about his starter replacement, I noticed he mentioned an OEM heat shield that sits ABOVE the starter (from the engine side), not below.
Now I’m second-guessing my approach and have some questions:
1. Should the heat shield be positioned ABOVE the starter (from engine) or BELOW (from exhaust side)? Which is more effective?
2. Does an OEM heat shield exist for the 1992 V12? If so, is it mounted above the starter? I haven’t checked if mine is missing.
3. Could my bottom-mounted shield actually TRAP hot air around the starter instead of protecting it? I’m worried it might act like a heat pocket rather than a barrier.
4. Would wrapping the nearby exhaust section with thermal tape be a better solution than (or in addition to) a heat shield?
I fabricated the bottom shield because I assumed radiant heat from the exhaust was the main problem, but now I’m wondering if I’ve approached this wrong.
Any advice from those who’ve dealt with V12 starter heat issues would be greatly appreciated!

 

The heat shield, I believe, really needs to be above the starter motor, between it and the exhaust manifold/downpipe and pipe.

 

Thanks for your reply, Greg! I’ll follow your advice and try to improve or replace my heat shield.
By the way, what’s your experience with this setup? Do you think using thermal tape on the exhaust could also help?

 

Hi Tyee,

Attached is a picture of the factory heat shield. It sits on top of the starter and covers the solenoid to "protect" if from the exhaust manifold. I also replace my starter and have a questions after putting it back in I found a bracket that goes around the battery cable at the starter. I don't recall unbolting it and cant figure out where it goes. Did you come across it?

Dave