Replacing My Starter

[MinuteMilitia]

Bought the replacement, just looking for any tips on the process!

1983 Nissan 720, 2.4l 2wd.

I am new to cars/working on them so really anything will help.

Thanks in advance!

[thisismatt]

Pro tip: disconnect the battery

[datzenmike]

Why are you replacing the starter??? There are many many reasons why the starter might not work properly but there's nothing wrong with it.

[MinuteMilitia]

I am replacing the starter because it suddenly stopped starting. Specifically it lacks power to turn over. Lights, electric etc works. New-ish battery (less than a year.) Deteriorated start quality over time generally. When describing these issues to a friend they recommended working on the starter.

The previous issues starting featured repeated attempts to start, usually 2 but it had increased to 3-4 in the last 2ish weeks to maybe a month. 

What else would you look at! I can return the starter, absolutely no problem there and am willing to work on whatever since its all learning experience for me! 

Thanks!

[bottomwatcher]

You can get it tested for free at a lot of the autoparts store. If is original have it rebuilt local. Remans at the autoparts stores are junk. You will get very good at changing starters.

[MinuteMilitia]

Thanks for letting me know bottomwatcher! I will look into that!

[datzenmike]

You could try booster cables from a known good vehicle. This would prove/disprove the battery only as the cause. Then connect cables directly to the intake and the starter lug and this proves or eliminates poor battery cables as the cause. Costs nothing to do.

 

If it just turns slower and slower and the battery has been eliminated as the problem then probably the starter. If the solenoid chatters before turning or the starter spins wildly but doesn't engage the engine and turn it that could be a wear start signal from the ignition switch.

 

Definitely keep the old one if it's an original Nissan starter, and have it professionally rebuilt. I'm expecting the replacement one will fail sooner than later. Quality is quite bad.

[MinuteMilitia]

Thanks for the tip Mike! I will try boosting it 100%.

 

 

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

Yes, have the original rebuilt. I use a shop in Auburn called Boyle Future Tech, and they do excellent work. If you'd like their contact info, just say the word.