GTP091 Posted March 16, 2010 Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 I'm going to the JY to pull a 3400 starter for my LQ1. Is there anything I should watch for when picking one out or does any 3400 starter bolt right up?? Sounds like from other threads I've read the 3400 starter sounds different and draws less current is this true? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Fury Posted March 16, 2010 Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 I didn't think the 3400 starter worked on the LQ1 but it might! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digitaloutsider Posted March 16, 2010 Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 It does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White93z34 Posted March 16, 2010 Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 It sounds different, is higher torque and is smaller. I have never re-used the shims from the original one when I switched to them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedGTP Posted March 16, 2010 Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 I have them on my Cutlass... work bolt on ! the sound it's not the same ! lol but more torque and smaller,, more easy to install ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Fury Posted March 16, 2010 Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 It does. Ohhh good to know! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spiderw31 Posted March 16, 2010 Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 As others have said, it does indeed fit; I've got one on my LQ1. The only issue I had was the length of the main power cable. The 3400 starter is shorter than the stock LQ1 starter, so the power cable is a little to long, making it a little annoying to tighten down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garrett Powered Posted March 16, 2010 Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 I had to use one skinny shim in mine. I thought they might not need one at all but my red tgp made a little bit of noise when you first start it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robby1870 Posted March 16, 2010 Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 Yeah, I had to use a shim as well when I put one on my STE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTP091 Posted March 17, 2010 Author Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 Thanks for the replies. I've replaced my charging/starting system wire with 4 gauge so it'll reach as I left a little to work with. Is the sound of the starter alright? I'm hoping it's not whiny; I don't want my car to sound like some gay-ass 4 banger honda accord when it turns over. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockfangd Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 lol it isnt that different. I have never heard any gm sound like A honda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GOT2B GM Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 the sound of the 3400 starter is the primary reason I switched to it. Sounds more refined. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonpro03 Posted March 17, 2010 Report Share Posted March 17, 2010 Here's what it sounds like: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTP091 Posted March 22, 2010 Author Report Share Posted March 22, 2010 Looks like the oil filter and oil cooler need to come off to get the starter out. Does anybody knot the size of socket needed to get the oil cooler nut off? looks like a 25mm or 26mm but the largest I have is 24mm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spiderw31 Posted March 22, 2010 Report Share Posted March 22, 2010 Oil filter yes, oil cooler no (on mine at least). I was able to push the coolant lines aside just enough that I could work the starter out without removing the cooler. It takes some patience and trial, but it can be done. After doing it once you'll know why the starter swap is such a good idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artemis Posted March 22, 2010 Report Share Posted March 22, 2010 Oil filter yes, oil cooler no (on mine at least). I was able to push the coolant lines aside just enough that I could work the starter out without removing the cooler. It takes some patience and trial, but it can be done. After doing it once you'll know why the starter swap is such a good idea! I didn't take off either. I was able to replace the starter without unplugging anything but the starter related stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White93z34 Posted March 22, 2010 Report Share Posted March 22, 2010 Keep in mind that 91-93 LQ1 cars have a factory installed oil cooler that tends to get in the way. From my understanding the 94-97 cars are easier to do the starter on. the starter on my TGP was frickin burried, ended up having to remove one of the oil cooler coolant lines to get the space to remove it. Just got another mini starter to replace it. The sound of them I don't care for. But as cheap as I can get these mini starters for Its a no brainer to install them in place of the huge starters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CSI_MuNkY Posted March 22, 2010 Report Share Posted March 22, 2010 How cheap is cheap Chris? I may have to have you pick one up for me if Matt is going to come get his stuff from you any time soon. Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White93z34 Posted March 22, 2010 Report Share Posted March 22, 2010 When I was in Georgia I got one for Matt for $20 off a montana van IIRC, This past weekend I picked one up off of a 01' century for $30 for my TGP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CSI_MuNkY Posted March 22, 2010 Report Share Posted March 22, 2010 Hmm, I will have to find out when Matt plans to go pick up all his other stuff from you. I will PM you later. Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spiderw31 Posted March 22, 2010 Report Share Posted March 22, 2010 Keep in mind that 91-93 LQ1 cars have a factory installed oil cooler that tends to get in the way. From my understanding the 94-97 cars are easier to do the starter on. Mine is a '92. It takes a bit of effort, but I pulled the large starter twice with the cooler on and connected. Without pulling the filter though, it needed about 1/2" more room to clear the bellhousing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTP091 Posted March 23, 2010 Author Report Share Posted March 23, 2010 I'll have to give it another go then with the oil cooler and lines on. The back of the starter just doesn't seem to want to tip up enough with the cooler lines in the way. If it's been done before like this then I'm sure I can manage. If I can get the CP sensor on and off using giant alligator clips and a mirror then im sure I can do the starter. I have to replace the big bugger now anyway the copper bolt on the solenoid broke off when I tried to tighten the brass nut back on. Usually easier and cheaper than to fix this kind of thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTP091 Posted March 25, 2010 Author Report Share Posted March 25, 2010 (edited) I was able to get the starter out in about 2 minutes after giving it another try. I gave it the lift, twist, and turn and it came right out. Looks like another reason GM charges to much to do this kind of stuff when their service manual tells them to take off more than whats needed. I didn't need to pull the oil cooler to get it out or disconnect the coolant lines either. Reminded me when I was quoted 8 hrs to change the alternator. I did that in 1.5. The starter I found was in a 03' Pontiac montana and was the only 3400 in the entire yard. The starter is in real good shape of course I'm going to repaint it so will have pics of it installed then. Here's some pics of the hole it left and a side by side of both units. There's one shot where you can see the void left when you remove the ignition pack and another of the oil cooler itself. Edited April 5, 2010 by GTP091 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTP091 Posted April 5, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 5, 2010 Here's the final shots of the starter in the car. You can see how much smaller the starter is compared to the original; the old starter was backed right up to the coolant hose of the oil cooler. It now starts with much more gusto and seems to crank at a higher RPM as well. I cleaned the mating surfaces and spread a thin film of dielectric grease on it to make sure it was grounded well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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