Remove and fit starter motor, Jaguar MK2
This was one of the first jobs I did on the Jaguar MK2; to overhaul a not working starter motor. Also the first meeting with the rather tight and not very accessible starter motor of this car. It is a bit tricky to get out, and in, but it is totally doable.
Here are the points and order that I found to work best for me:
1) Isolate the battery.
2) You need to be able to work from under the car - the only way the starter motor is coming out without taking out the whole engine or an angle grinder. So jack it up or elevate it/make access to the underside in other safe way.
3) Inside the car, push seat back as far as it goes. Remove the gear knob. Remove the seat cushions (not the entire seat).
4) Unscrew the mid-console/section at the back. Lift it a bit at the back to get it over the securing bolt, then you need to pull it backwards a bit, then raise at the front and slide forward and upwards.
5) Push away the right hand side air supply tube, going to the back.
6) You need to open the metal plate, tightened with three screws, above the front of the gear box channel. Remove any material that prevents this (sound etc). I chose to unscrew the mounting bracket for the radio, then just tilt it to the left; made access a lot easier.
7) Through this hole, you gain access to one of the bolts on the starter motor. Find a suitable tool to access it. Extender is probably good, and some light to see where to put it. There are only two bolts to fasten the starter engine.
8) Unscrew it entirely.
9) Rest of the work is done from under the car.
10) On my car, it was no way around removing the oil filter. I tried to get the starter engine out the front at the suspension. No luck, not enough room. I tried to get it passed the oil filter, same story. The oil filter was removed, and then both removing the engine, and getting it back in, was fairly easy. The removal of the filter will obviously result in a good portion of oil coming out as well. Be prepared.
11) The second and last bolt, you need some light to see. When you have it localized, it is easy to unscrew. Support the engine with one hand, and unscrew entirely.
12) Then guide the engine down and out through the opening where the filter was. You may have to tilt it a bit.
Now, there is surely a very good reason for removing the motor, and the appropriate action is described elsewhere. In my case it was cleaned and in general needed love and care, tested and ready to be put back. Still the original starter motor fitted. When putting it back, just reverse the steps above. It went very fast and easy putting to it back in. I attached the bolt from under the car first, then engaged the bolt from inside the car.
Cheers,
Morten
