On that note, how is the best way to get to a starter on a Fox Wagon with A/C...I can't see it directly from the bay but I wasn't using a flashlight and the wires are nest-like at the moment...which side is it on? Seems like its going to be a bitch because of the engine mounting.

Thanks guys, hopefully somebody has experienced this before.

This happens simultaneously with the contacts for the starter motor though so you wouldn't think that the motor would spin if the solenoid didn't move.

Someone more knowledgeable with starters help.

Modified by DubbyDriver at 3:41 PM 4-3-2008

Me, too - except most times, the second turn of the key gets it workin' just fine. Mines been like this since, uh, I can't remember when... A long time, though.

Quote, originally posted by kerensky »

It's a direct swap. Just be sure to get the 5 speed linkage, as the two are different. And replace the bushings in the new linkage while you've got it apart. And a new clutch/CV joints/bearings/brake rotors/engine swap/paint job/interior refresh, because, you know, while you're in there you might as well.

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if the starter is spinning freely, the drive is fudged ~or~ the flywheel is missing teeth.
i havent torn into a fox starter, so im not sure if they have an arm that pulls the gear into the flywheel,or if theyre the kind that does it automaticly when energized.
Another thing, when you turn off your engine, the flywheel stops at one of four(4) places in relation to the starter gear. so if one of those four is missing a few teeth, it would make the problem intermittent.

the starter is on the passenger side of the car, right behind the motor mount. The book says you gotta drop the subframe a little on cars with AC in order to get the starter out. some say it can be done without any of that. Once its out spin the drive gear, it should only tune one way freely, and when spun the other way, it should engage and turn the shaft in the starter. If it spins freely both ways, your starter drive is the probem, buy new starter.

i havent had a rpoblem with my fox starter specifically so if any of this is wrong, correct me gurus.

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its right behind the A/C
undo the four bolts holding the A/C on and let it free hang, the tube are strong enough to let it hang.

from there you just unbolt the start, its 3 bolts.

and bam its off.
well of course with a hole lot of wiggling.

the starters, when energized, are pushed to meet the flywheel.

if you get a new start remember, where the rotor is pushed is a little grommit, or washer sort of thing, its a bitch to get out, either have a smallish screwdriver to tear it up and pull it out in chunks like i did, or a smaller wooden dowel works from what ive read.