In a Bind! Need Help w/Starter Connector

[theskeezix]

:1998 Tacoma TRD

Right wheel is off, battery cable to solenoid is off.

Can't get small connector off, not much room working from wheelwell. It must have some kind of clip. Can somebody help me by telling me what kind of clip (removable spring, plastic bend, etc. holds the connector on?

I can just barely get my left hand (I'm right-handed) in, let alone find a clip. Access from bottom looks impossible.

If I can't get that connector off, I can forget the $20 starter contact replacement and pay a shop $250 to replace the motor...:sobbing

The mechanic is charging $65 for labor and has a $80/hour rate, so it can't be all that difficult...

 

[theskeezix]

Okay. Was able to get the little connector off by crawling underneath the truck. Starter is now loose in the engine compartment and I'm trying to figure out how to get it out thru the wheelwell

I've disconnected the brake line bracket but I'm afraid that the steel lines aren't bending enough to clear the motor.

Ideas?

 

[rubbman]

on my 4runner I had to squeak it over the rack an pinion and out the back.

 

[theskeezix]

Finally got the bleedin' thing out. Had to bend steel brake lines though.

 

[Pikeman]

When I did mine I had to undo the brake lines and took me like 20 minutes to get it out of truck after it was unbolted. Took me 5 minutes to get it back in. Anyways glad you are getting it handled. Hopefully your keyboard isnt getting to greasy from coming in to get advice and check status.