re and re starter. straightforward or some tricks. any advice appreciated.
Replaced my starter last year on my 365 GTC/4, which may be similar. Not for the faint of heart. My Magnetti-Marelli starter was rebuilt 2 years before and suffered heat soak problems, even with the heat shield in place. I installed a high torque mini-starter which was much easier to put back in and have had no problems since. Rather embarrassing incident at the local gas station last year. Got fuel and no start...... nothing. Had to sit there for half an hour before the starter cooled down enough to start. Also, check all the wires going to the starter, as one of mine was loose and probably contributed to the problem. The shop I use here in Phoenix recommended the mini starter, which was easy for them to install and wasn't too costly. Just a suggestion.
I pulled mine some years ago and had it rebuilt. It was turning very slowly after a drive when hot. Its tight for some of the open-end wrenches. You can only get an eighth of a turn on one nut as I remember, but pretty straight forward. Disconnect the battery and take your time. Good luck. Drew
appreciate all the responses. Been told that there may be an exhaust manifold or another item in the way. Hope that is not the case, any further advise on pulling starter?
I cannot remember if the exhaust manifold was in the way. If it is, get a set of cheap wobble extensions to work around the manifolds. Not that hard. Think the nuts attaching to the engine are 10mm.
Lots of variables can be at play for R & R the starter motor in a 365GTB/4, including but not limited to Euro v. U.S. exhaust, collapsed engine mounts, OE heat shield still in place, etc... Also worth considering that readily available aftermarket Hi-Torque (mini) starters may not provide full (read adequate) tooth engagement/reach, potentially leading to premature ring gear failure or worse ... YMMV
Unless you have a full lift, you cannot even reach the exhaust manifold nuts, and remove the whole exhaust on pass. side. Then you have assorted ancillaries. It is an 8 hour job, min., if you know what you are doing We tried with a friend's Daytona and ended up on a flat bed, and do it properly. Definitely not a 'shade tree' project. In his case, a Gustafson starter motor worked like a charm.
As has been said, plan on removing the whole right side exhaust system including both right side exhaust headers (this may involve loosening motor mounts and jacking up engine to get headers off of exhaust studs). You will also need a thin C-shaped 16mm box end wrench (sometimes need to grind it down to fit) in order to loosen the nuts that secure the starter to the engine block studs.
Spot on Brian, the front nuts are particularly pesky to reach. Unless a factory tool, fabrication required for box end wrench for the starter, and another for the (many) 1/16 turn, manifold nuts Repeat, not an easy job , and a true labour of patience. Go in there blindly, and you will spend the better part of the day procuring the right tools. Then after all is over, back to reassembly. Oh joy!
