Changing the Starter 2001 K1500 4WD

[01SubDriver]

The starter in my truck is bad. I'll be darned if I can get it out! Is there a trick to removing the starter? Everything is in the way, and it will not move forward enough so that the starter drive gear snout will clear the bellhousing to drop down. IF the oil dipstick tube is supposed to be removed, that MIGHT let the starter move forward just enough to drop, but it seems to be stuck in there pretty well.

All suggestions greatly appreciated!

 

[01SubDriver]

OK, the task is actually accomplished.... The starter is out of the truck! The secret is: in the procedure manual it showed that indeed, the dipstick tube "Oil Level Indicator Tube" removal was part of the process. Getting that out involved removing the starter and shield bolts, getting it tilted out of the way, and using a zip-tie to hold the oil pressure sensor wire to it so that it was also clear. Then, I used a good old Mapp gas torch to heat the snot out of the boss in the block where the tube fits, while my son yanked/twisted/wiggled the tube from the top.

Other than a hot piece of junk landing on my lower eyelid, the operation was a success. Tube removed. I'm a little concerned because the o-ring was not on it when it came out. Either it stayed in the block, or fell off after the tube was out? I may fashion a small hook to see if I can retrieve it. Once the dipstick was removed, the starter could be moved around and pulled down far enough to disconnect the wires. Not the easiest wrenching session, by any means. But finally successful.

Curiously, the main power wire which connects from the solenoid to the starter stator wiring was completely broken. Makes little sense, as it is not under any strain or tension. A bit of corrosion, causing excess heat when power was passing through, and the wires melted apart? As good a guess as any....

 

[jamurrin]

Bumping a 2 year old post! But, maybe it will help breath some life into this mostly dead forum! HA!!

Just had a similar issue with my '02 Suburban/GMC Yukon.

When I finally got it out, I found the same failure! Wire connecting the solenoid to the starter crumbled when I touched it! Starter was working intermittently prior to replacing.

As for removal, the Dipstick was not the issue, but the 3 tie wraps on the battery cable were! Took me way too much time to figure that out! Turned a 1/2 job into 3!

 

[VanGo]

I need to check my connection to. I get an intermitent click-only when I try to start my 'burb.

Consider yourselves lucky. To replace the starter on my Seville STS Northstar engine, you have to remove the intake manifold. The starter is in the valley under the manifold!

You are right, this forum is pretty dead!

 

[jamurrin]

Starter on the '02 is not cakewalk...but not so bad that you are pulling out the exhaust! While I do not enjoy working on cars so much...it does amaze me the engineering that goes into putting all that together...and making it work under the heat and crummy environment down there.

If you want another forum...this one
http://chevroletforum.com/forum/tahoe-suburban-25/
seems to have a bit more life!

See ya later!