Starter Motor - Complex?

[Mint]

Hello people.

I tend to lurk here and absorb knowledge, rather than post. However, I have a question...

Earlier this week, I got a great deal on cambelt and water pump change on my Z19dt at 115k miles. I last got it done about 50k, as I don't trust the advertised lifespan of 100k on one belt. The garage was an independent place in Wigan, and the work was top notch.

However, the mechanic pointed out something I'd suspected for a while - the starter motor is on the way out. Not a surprise, given the age and miles. But, I'm not sure if this is a DIY job or a pay-a-dude job. I've changed starter motors in the past, but that was on a early 1990s Ford Fiesta, and the motor was nice and accessible. Some of the guidance I've seen on the web in the last couple of days points to this being a pain in the hoop to do, with the facilities I have (drive isn't level, no inspection ramps, various jacks and suitable axle stands).

What's the group's thinking? Have a go, or pay a mechanic?

Cheers

[justin32]

ive done a few on the z19dt engines and its a pretty straight forward job. Removing the EGR is a must and unclipping the coolant bottle moving it out of the way helps with getting to the stud bolt that sits under the starter.

I think it took me about an 1.5 hours from start to finish the first time I did it as im more used to the Z19DTH engines and also the EGR that I had to remove was a pain.

Id give it a go yourself mate, its not hard just a bit fiddley at times. You will need some ratchet spanners as getting a ratchet and socket on the bolts its almost impossible.

Second time around I did it in under an hour and that included some breaks and chat with the owner

[Mint]

Sounds promising. Thanks pal.

[Darter]

A friend of mine just changed my starter on a Z19DT and he didn't remove the EGR. He moved the coolant bottle and managed to get the starter out by lowering it down and moving it to the right and brought it out of the top that way. It took him less than an hour.