'98 XK8, starter motor removal and replacement in the future. Apparently my XK8 is a desert car and it goes into shock when the temperature goes below 50 degrees (F). I'm in the midst of chasing what would appear to be a vacuum leak when it is colder out, but now the starter motor has decided it doesn't like the cold weather also. Both of these issues seem to flare with the weather. Last winter I had the same issue and they cleared up when the hot weather returned. Anyway, I checked the battery and the alternator and both are operating as they should, so that leaves the starter motor. In doing searches of the forum, and looking at the manual, there is little information. The manual wants you to disassemble the car's steering to get to the starter. I've spoken with others that say you don't have to do that, it is simple, and just go in from the bottom to get to the bolts (upper mostly), but nothing definitive, and nothing really addressing the XK8/XKR (typically the XJ8 is the subject car).

At this point, the question at hand-
1. is it possible to change the starter motor without the disassembly of the "steering rack for access".
2. what is the process in the removal/refitting (looking for tips here).

Thanks for any direction applicable to the '97 XK8, a good Holiday project.

 

While you may believe your battery is sufficient, it may not be. These vehicles require strong, pristine batteries to operate normally. How old is yours?

 

Thanks for the quick reply.
The battery is about 2 weeks old, and hit the store October 24th. I was hoping it was a weak battery so I just replaced it. No change in the starter.

 

Hi Nevada XK8.
I have done this job bevore and it is possibel.
See attached file.
Best regards

 

Thank you XK81997, this is exactly what I needed to tackle the project. Time to order the starter and get it done.

Thank you again.

 

Hello XK8....very good adaptation with Pdf.
Is this describing a Left Hand Drive car?
It seems to depict far more space than what is available for a RHD car?

 

Yes, this is a left hand drive car in the states. I don't know how much room there is in the right had drive car, I sure hope that there is not less space, that would be no space. The wrench I used was short and I had to angle it between the heat shield which I also pushed up as I moved the wrench and the firewall/tunnel. There was maybe 3.5 cm of space. The half moon wrench with the ratcheting head would have made it easier. Access to the area was limited by the steering rack and the brace under the car. On a right had drive I would imagine that the input shaft and housing may limit access further (hence the shop manual saying you need to drop the steering rack?).

 

XK8....if you think it's a tight squeeze for LHD....multiply it by about 20 and you're close for an RHD! ;o)=)
I am still very much into the idea of removing the motor section from the gear housing to gain a more direct access to that top bolt.
I don't think I will quite go down the 'Remove cylinder head' route.....just yet ;o)=)

 

Hello everybody.
I have an LHD. I can't say how much space there is at the RHD. Loosening the starter's top screw was easier than expected.
However, the car should be jacked up well so that you have space from below. It is not necessary to lift the entire engine block. Getting the starter past the Steerinrack is not easy, but it works. I had the removal and installation completed in one day.

 

Hello XK8....I think that is the crux of my dilemma....SPACE ;o)
On RHD, I am hoping that the starter will slide out forwards toward
the oil filter housing (filter and mounting spigot removed) without too much drama
and I think that is more likely with the brush motor section removed first.