what has to come off? 3100 starter replacement.

[briandors]

My 1995 3100 Cutlass Supreme convertible needs a new starter. (Yes I'm sure it's the starter.)

 

I've done searches and read up. It sounds like a lot of work on a 3.4, but I found less detail of the job on a 3100.

 

After I disconnect the battery....

Can I just unbolt it and wiggle it out? Do I need to remove AC lines, or the flywheel cover, or anything?

 

Also - people talk about buying a newer lighter, smaller, gear reduction starter from a newer 3100. Do I just go to the store and ask for a 2005 Buick Century 3100 starter and that will work perfectly??

 

Thanks.

Brian

[briandors]

I just compared pricing. The newer 3100 starters (Malibu/Century 02-04 timeframe) are like $60 more than the old ones. I think I'll stick to a 1995 design.

[slick]

Yeah, unhook the neg. cable, unhook the little cables on the starter, remove any little plastic guards that would prevent the starter from coming out(you will be able to see them), unbolt the starter(2 bolts), and pull it out.

 

Now, if you have an oil cooler, you may have some lines in the way. But, if your cool like patgizz(did this on a 3.4), use your muscles and bend them outta the way(not too much to break them though), then you should be able to slid the starter right out.

 

Yes, the newer starters are smaller and more lightweight. Bolt right up with no issues.

[briandors]

The engine is stock. Can anyone tell me if a stock 1995 3100 Cutlass Supreme has an oil cooler??

[slick]

Most likely no. You mainly seen them on the 3.4's.

[briandors]

Got the starter replaced this morning. Was pretty easy. I'll write a how-to soon.

 

But my question for now is: no shims came in the box, although the AutoZone computer said it would need shims. The old and new starter looked the same, so I just installed it as is.

 

It starts well, no grind. But right after starting I hear a high-pitched whine for a second at most.

 

Is this going to cause trouble down the road?

 

Brian

[slick]

Well, I knew I needed a shim when it would start, right before it stopped cranking there would be a small screech or squeal. Very short, but loud.

 

So, sounds like you may need one. Nothing more than .010" I would assume.

[terryk2003]

were there any shims on your old starter?...if not, i'd say u probably don't need one...thats just the sound of a healthy new starter...

[briandors]

No there weren't any shims on the old one.

 

That's why I'm not sure if this is "electric motor whine" or "gear whine". I can definitely say the old starter didn't make this noise.

 

What if this is gear whine? Am I likely to damage the new starter (not so bad, has a limited lifetime warranty and the guy told me i don't need a shim). Or will I damage the flywheel, that's not good at all.

 

Brian

[briandors]

I tried adding some shims. First I put a 1/32" on, didn't seem to make a difference. So I took it out and put a 1/16" of an inch in there (0.0625"). Still doesn't really seem to make a difference.

 

Makes me think what I am hearing is the motor assembly itself and not gear whine. After all, shouldn't the sound have gotten either quieter in volume, orn shorter in duration, after I shimmed? Assuming it still needs a thicker set of shims??

[terryk2003]

doesnt anyone ever listen to me!?...

[briandors]

I know, I think you were right Terry! Sorry. I got opinions from several places and most people said I needed to shim or I'd reck the flywheel so that's why I went ahead and tried that.

 

Now I have to decide whether leaving the shim in there would cause any damage? I wouldn't think so, no grind. I think I'll leave it be.