supra9398

I have a 2000 SC 400, and I am presently attempting to remove my starter motor to replace the contacts. I am trying to remove just the motor itself (rather than the entire mount) in order to replace the contacts in place, as ClubLexus user billydpowe advised in this thread: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ml#post6052613 I want it to look like the picture attached. However, when I try to remove the motor, only the case moves - the internal components (brushes, etc.) remain attached to the mount. How do I get the motor - internals included - out in one piece to look like the picture? I have looked through every thread that I could find on this as well as a 1999 Lexus workshop manual, and I cannot find the answer.

Thank you.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

Just a guess... At the upper left portion of the mount, there's a bolt hole that looks like it would connect to the back of the starter. Were you able to remove that?

supra9398

Yes, there are two of those, both of which I removed. This enabled me to move the case of the motor, but not the internals.

supra9398

I took a picture to illustrate the problem. As you can see, I am able to move the casing, but the "guts" (for lack of a better word) do not come with it.

salimshah

I have not removed the started on SC, but on GS (the setup seems the same), I removed the starter by undoing the bolts/nut. In the attached pictures the access to the mounting nuts/bolts is from the top, but they come out towards the transmission. I would suggest against diassembling the starter. One of the must do is a bench test of the assembled starter. You can see the mounting ears of the starter and access is from the firewall side.

Salim

supra9398

Thank you for your reply. If I understand correctly, you are suggesting that I remove the mount and entire assembly rather than just the motor itself?

salimshah

Yes, starter motor and solenoid. If the problem is with the solenoid contacts, I would not touch the motor.. But that is just me.

Salim

WadeNelson

Are you still working on this?

I hate to contradict BillyPowe as he claims to have actually done it, but I personally do not believe the solenoid can be serviced without removing the entire starter assembly from the engine/transmission. If you read his words CAREFULLY....there's some room for doubt. In addition, even if the plunger can be swapped, wear or damage to the lever that actually engages/retracts the gear isn't going to get fixed in this manner, or the gear replaced, etc.

As for removing the entire starter:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-brutal-2.html

Where in Arizona are you. I'm in Sun City (Phoenix).

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

this post is to help supra9398, I could not post photos on the private message he sent me, but it is also for wade.. I have done this on two different LS400's, two years apart.see the photos..
supra yours is just "stuck" pull it out

the original parts lasted 11 years, so I went back with original. that was 2010, and it is now 2017 and we are still driving the LS.
my nephew, who done mine, is a Lexus mechanic, has NEVER replaced a complete Lexus starter, on a side job.
but maybe a SC is different?? do you know Wade??
also here is a current photo of my 209k LS

supra9398

I'm actually in California right now; sorry, I should update that. Thank you.

supra9398

Thank you very much for your post and photos. As to being stuck, I am pulling as hard as I can and it will not come out... it moves about 1/4 inch but no more. Forgive the likely stupidity of this question, but is it okay for me to pry it out with a screwdriver? I am afraid of damaging something.

Thanks again.

Ramblerman

this is very interesting. I have bad contacts in my starter and have been looking at whether I could just disassemble it in the car or to remove it and put a new starter in, then rebuild the old one for a spare. I think do to the mileage on the old one, and the PITA they are to change in the 400's I will put a new one in and keep the old one for a spare. This a good alternative though!

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

Dean, since I have never had to pry one out, I cannot answer that... I worked at 2 Chevy dealerships before I went into my own shop for 30 years, and I cant think of any wear pattern that would keep it from coming out.
just looking at the photos.... there is nothing there.
BUT I REMEMBER: Just open up the access panel on the bottom of the tranny where it meets the engine and stick a large allen tool in one of the flywheel holes and slowly turn the engine to see if it will loosen up ?? just a guess

supra9398

In the process of trying to remove it, the outer cover slid further off, and now it will not go back on. That can't be good.

salimshah

What is "IT"? Are we talking about the whole starter & solenoid assembly OR you are still trying to slide off just a part.

Salim