Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

It's too cold to spend any more time than necessary under the car right now but I want to plan how to remove the starter motor, by first removing a wheel.to see...is it located on the inlet or exhaust side of the engine..?
Thx..Tony

Inlet side, under the carbs. The top bolt requires a long socket extension. The RF tire does not need to be removed.

Make it easier next time by replacing the hex head bolts with Torx head ones.

I went for Allen key bolts as you can get wobble head Allen driver's which makes the top bolt a bit easier.

I go for the 9/16" standard socket head on the standard bolt............because that is what should be fitted.

It is very easy to undo the wrong bolt when removing the top starter bolt Tony, as a block to bellhousing bolt is next to it. You will of course have disconnected or turned your battery cut off switch off first before starting any electrical work.

You do not say why you are trying to remove the starter motor?

Leslie

512BB wrote:I go for the 9/16" standard socket head on the standard bolt............because that is what should be fitted.

Leslie

What are the technical reasons for a standard hex head bolt over a correct grade plain shaft caphead?
Malcolm

englishmaninwales wrote:

512BB wrote:I go for the 9/16" standard socket head on the standard bolt............because that is what should be fitted.

Leslie

What are the technical reasons for a standard hex head bolt over a correct grade plain shaft caphead?
Malcolm

Which begs the question, what is the technical reason for using a cap head over the standard hex headed bolt?

I see no benefit in using a cap head.

In 50 plus years of working on Elans I have never had any difficulty using a 9/16" socket and an extension effectively just slightly longer than the starter motor length.

Ian

Likewise, I have only ever used a standard hex bolt in this position; I‘ve never had any problems with it.

But some were suggesting using a caphead (hex or Torx) for ease. Leslie posted “…standard bolt…that is what should be fitted” and I was simply interested if there were any technical reasons for this.
Malcolm

I seem to have started a lively topic: having got under the car I can see my starter:it is the original Lucas one. The live connection and the lower 9/16 mounting bolt are clearly visible and accessible but the key success factors all concern the upper, inaccessible mounting bolt :
1 From where do you use the long extension..from Engine bay under the carbs, or from underneath: both look horrible, which is best..?
2 What length extension works best..?
3.which mounting bolt to undo first the bitch at the top or the easier one at the bottom
4.The forum comments around commonly recommended high torque repkacenent starters mention that they have a stud instead of a top bolt to ease removal and fitting: : how..?: does the stud screw into the bell housing first,and the starter 'hung" onto it for location...or what...?
Thanks in anticipation of your advice & experience...Tony

'But some were suggesting using a caphead (hex or Torx) for ease. Leslie posted “…standard bolt…that is what should be fitted” and I was simply interested if there were any technical reasons for this'

The technical reason Malcolm, that I always rely on, is that Lotus specified it, and that is more than good enough for me. Some people are always looking for ways to 'upgrade' these cars. I keep telling you, there are no upgrades on an Elan, straight out of the Factory. Well, maybe to the paint..............sometimes.

Leslie

Hi Tony.
I really have had no difficulty with the top screw. A 3/8" extension, maybe with a universal joint if it is not directly in line and from underneath.
The Powerlite starter motor which I fitted has a captive screw not a stud so it is inline with the threaded hole when you offer the motor up.
I really think that is easier than all the talking about it. It takes longer to jack up the car and fit stands than to do the job. Just do it!
Best of luck
Eric in Burnley
1967 S3SE DHC

Check the socket size on the bottom bolt which is easily accessible from under the car.

Then for the top bolt:
Socket -> Long extension bar -> Universal joint -> short extension bar -> T bar ( or ratchet ).

Work from underneath the car.

I don't recall, since it is a long time since I last took the starter out, but probably remove the top bolt, then support the motor with one hand while removing the bottom bolt else it may fall on your face and VERY IMPORTANT as mentioned above, be sure to disconnect the battery before you start. Don't rely on the starter solenoid to keep the circuit isolated.

Assuming you wish to service the motor, to get the Bendix off the motor shaft you will need a bendix spring compressor.

Check this thread from 5 years ago…. Some useful info

https://lotuselan.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=24117&p=300296&hilit=+Starter#p300296

Regards
Richard