92 Q: Starter probs + question about removal

[kdkrone]

1992 Q, 130,000K miles, original owner, well-maintained.

This AM, the starter ran without engaging. I assume that there is a gear in there that has stuck so that it is not flung into position. My assumption is that getting a hammer onto it might temporarily help.

Ultimately, it will need to be rebuilt, I assume. My problem is that I do not have a hydraulic jack but I do have a pair of 10" ramps that I have used to remove the fiberboard protective plate so that I can do oil changes occasionally. Is that enough to allow me to get to the starter? I take it that the starter is on the passenger side; I have never gone looking for it. How readily apparent is it and what are its dimensions? Would it be possible to remove it with the car just on the ramps or should I just have the vehicle towed (flatbed)?

ThanksKen K

Modified by kdkrone at 9:39 PM 12/21/2009
Modified by kdkrone at 10:05 PM 12/21/2009

[Q451990]

Not sure if it's accessible when the car is on ramps... knock on wood, I have never had an issue with mine. I would certainly tap on it with something and see if you can get it to engage before having it flatbedded if you decide to get professional help.

Heath

[kdkrone]

Thanks. I wonder if somehow it is related to the fact that I parked aimed downhill....?? Perhaps I should have put on the emergency brake and then put the car in gear instead of just using the transmission in Park... I don't know which part of the engine/transmission takes the stress and whether it may somehow affect the starter.... anyone know?
Modified by kdkrone at 11:42 PM 12/21/2009

[qship96]

For the 1 hour labor cost to swap with a new genuine Infiniti part{aprox $230 at IOS} I am not sure it is a job worth doing yourself,especially working with ramps or jackstands- on a lift it becomes much more comfortable to accomplish.

[kdkrone]

Actually, the cost is $300.64 + shipping. I have no problem with the cost, although if I don't need to spend that money, I would not be upset.

So that brings up the question of whether the Infiniti starter is very finicky and not able to be rebuilt well. If it is difficult to rebuild, then I will purchase the new one. Anyone have the experience?

ThanksKen
Modified by kdkrone at 1:22 AM 12/22/2009

[qship96]

Actually, the cost is $300.64 + shipping. I have no problem with the cost, although if I don't need to spend that money, I would not be upset.

So that brings up the question of whether the Infiniti starter is very finicky and not able to be rebuilt well. If it is difficult to rebuild, then I will purchase the new one. Anyone have the experience?

ThanksKen

CALL them,as there is a core return credit and the "net" price is much lower-many here have tried to save coin with a cheapie parts store rebuild with poor results.

[kdkrone]

Well, qship96, you have your numbers pretty close. With the present 5% discount, it comes to about $270 shipped to CA with a $40 core return (minus the cost of return shipping). Should arrive next week. Thanks.

[qship96]

No problem.....you made the right decision going with the factory part, good luck with the install if you choose to tackle it yourself.