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Hi, everyone...
I am replacing the starter on my '97 XK8 coupe and I cannot get the new starter in. It seems identical to the old one and the problem seems to be the fuel line (? see pic) running across there.
I've removed everything else that I can that might be in the way and loosened the tie-downs for the line but the bolt to connect the main wire to is still a little too long by maybe 1/4"/ 6mm. I'd shorten it but the old one had a bolt this long, too.
Should I take out the fuel line? Any tips on that? I haven't heard of anyone else having to do this.
Or, is there something else I'm likely to be missing? Like I said, I think I'm tucking wires out of the path, etc.
Thanks in advance!
ps if you're wondering why I don't have a manual, I bought an e-manual but the emulator stopped working (if you have one, you know what I'm referring to). But that is literally a topic for another thread!)
I don't think that's a fuel line. If memory serves me right, that's a transmission cooler line. Check to see if it routes to the transmission and the radiator. And that line is kind of a pain to remove from the transmission side if I am not mistaken.
However, I haven't had the displeasure of having to replace a starter on one of these, so I can't comment on that.
Food for thought, if you were able to get the old starter out without removing it, logic tells me you must be able to get the new starter in without disconnecting that line.
Last edited by giandanielxk8; Nov 28, 2023 at 07:21 PM.
As said above, if the old starter came out and the new one and its bolts are identical, as it should be, then the new one must fit and it's just a matter of jiggling it in.
You could try removing all visible clips holding the line in place and then using some wire/string to pull the line a little and tie it as far out of the way as possible.
That line is part of the power steering circuit: there should be some 'give' but be careful. I can't give you any further guidance as, like giandanielxk8, I haven't yet had the displeasure either. Would it help if you put the bolt in the starter flange first and then try to mate everything up?
Originally Posted by Johnnie_Telfer
ps if you're wondering why I don't have a manual, I bought an e-manual but the emulator stopped working
Do a page search (Ctrl-F on most browsers) for 'workshop'. The one you need is the first edition, but I'd recommend that you also download the second as they're similar in many ways, and the second edition is a searchable pdf.
You put the starter in from the rear..if thats the oil filter it suggests to me you are trying to do it from the front.You cannot get it in from the front as the motor mount is in the way .
ie you pass it forwards from the rear and then rearwards to fit the hole
ps done it on a RHD coupe ..6 hrs inc taking off the power steering ./ steering column joint much easier on a LHD.
to tighten the top bolt you need a 1/2 in extension with socket that must not exceed 126mm total in length ...then knuckle and ext bars.
Last edited by Pistnbroke; Nov 30, 2023 at 02:51 AM.
That line is part of the power steering circuit: there should be some 'give' but be careful. I can't give you any further guidance as, like giandanielxk8, I haven't yet had the displeasure either. Would it help if you put the bolt in the starter flange first and then try to mate everything up?
Do a page search (Ctrl-F on most browsers) for 'workshop'. The one you need is the first edition, but I'd recommend that you also download the second as they're similar in many ways, and the second edition is a searchable pdf.
Thanks for the info on the manuals. The almost humorously dumb mistake I was making is revealed below.
OMG that was so stupid of me! THANK YOU!
What happened was, I took out the starter, focusing on the socket extensions I had to run past the oil filter. Then I ordered a new starter and waited. Plus a few extra days went by, maybe, and I was focused on getting the socket extensions in there again. When I went to put it in, I remembered it wrong.
Seriously I spent six hours (over two days) on my back trying to get it in from the front - and almost made it! Good thing I didn't take out the alternator or lines for power steering or transmission!
Last edited by Johnnie_Telfer; Nov 30, 2023 at 03:41 PM.
Reason: forgot to say who it was to
Been a few years since i did mine, but don't recall that pipe being an issue. It was the top bolt that was giving me grief.
I removed the alternator air duct, and with 2ft of extension bars and swivel joints managed to remove it.
Not the easiest job to do, but certainly driveway doable.
yeah, the whole issue was that I was trying to put it in from the front, not the back. Then I had trouble with the replacement and had to do it again, by now I feel pretty good at it!
thanks for the link - is that your video? Or just one you found?
XK8 Coupe starter replacement
