What tools are needed to remove the starter?

Tiny
MR.MSFIOSO007
  • MEMBER
  • 1985 BUICK RIVIERA
  • 0.5L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,000 MILES
I would like to know what tools are needed to take off starter to a 1985 Buick Riviera?
Thursday, August 7th, 2025 AT 8:43 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,233 POSTS
Not a lot. You need to disconnect the battery negative, then raise the vehicle up. Then you go under it and remove the inspection cover. Then remove the battery cable and start wire from the starter. Then remove the two bolts that hold the starter to the block. Be careful the starter is heavier than it looks. Pay attention if there are any shims. Reverse the process to install the new one. A basic tool kit can do a lot on that car. Something like this one:

https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/tool-sets/mechanics-tool-set-225-piece-62664.html
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Thursday, August 7th, 2025 AT 9:03 PM
Tiny
MR.MSFIOSO007
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
He did not specify what tools exactly to use like what size socket or if I'm going to need anything else. Like I know how to take off just wanted to know what size sockets to use. Very well then. Thanks
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Saturday, August 9th, 2025 AT 12:00 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,233 POSTS
Generally I look at a bolt and know what size it is, I don't memorize what fits where. That data is also not in service information. However being an 85 I would expect to see nine sixteenths, half inch on the studs, seven sixteenths on the inspection panel. However being that old I would have other tools with me because there are likely replacement fasteners on there that can be different sizes depending on where they got them. Your question asked what tools, not what sizes.
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Saturday, August 9th, 2025 AT 6:14 PM

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