How hard to pull starter in a 95 Legacy FWD (auto)?

[Rob Aries]

I have the common problem (as I've read) of worm solenoid contacts
making it hard to start my Legacy. I have the replacement contacts. I
need to pull the starter and I just want to dot my I's & cross my T's
before I start. I tend to have bad luck with seemingly simple repairs
like this!

From what I've heard, there are just two bolts holding the
starter/solenoid on (or one bolt & one nut). One of the bolts is on top
and easily accessible, but the other one must be on the underside of the
starter. I have a 3/8" Craftsman rachet with an angled handle & flex
head, and an extension bar, nothing more specialized. It does look a
little crowded back there and I'm wondering if this is going to work out
with my limited tool selection.

Also, if anyone has done the contact replacement itself: is it just a
matter of replacing the contacts, or is there any soldering that needs
to be done?

Tx in advance for any tips!

 

[strchild]

Can't remember any soldering the last time I worked on a starter. You
should be able to remove both bolts and disconnect the small starter wire
from the top if you're flexible and maybe a little creative. Start by
disconnecting the battery, as it connects directly to the starter. (-; I
always use hand tools for this so I would think your rachet up to that task.

~Brian

 

[Rob Aries]

You
should be able to remove both bolts and disconnect the small starter wire
from the top if you're flexible and maybe a little creative.

That sounds encouraging...I don't see the the lower bolt though, it has
to be on the underside of the starter...not sure how to get at that from
the top but I'll give it a try.

Start by disconnecting the battery, as it connects directly
to the starter.

Yes, another Subie forum advised the same thing...something about
"unintended arc welding" Disconnecting the battery will be the first
step, for sure!

 

[strchild]

Well, even if you can't get to the lower bolt from the top, it's easy from
below. I've done it both ways. (-; Course, age and mobility could be
factors.

~Brian

 

[AS]

Are u sure it is not the inhibitor switch on the right hand side of the
tranny?

 

[Rob Aries]

I'm 99.99% sure. I tried the "jiggle the shit lever as you start"
technique and it made no difference. Also, if it was the switch, I
don't think I would hear the click of the solenoid plunger, would I?

 

[strchild]

If it were the transmission inhibitor switch you shouldn't hear the plunger.
Put the tranny in gear and try starting the car (foot on brake of course).
Provided your inhibitor switch is working you should notice no click from
the starter.

~Brian

 

[nobody >]

I'm 99.99% sure. I tried the "jiggle the shit lever as you start"
technique and it made no difference.

Ex-Lax?

 

[Rob Aries]

Yea I guess my brain took an overdose of ex-lax there

I think SHIFT lever is what I meant to say!

That is one great typo though...