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Starter Replacement

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1.1K views 30 replies 6 participants last post by  Clean12Coupe  
#1 ·
So I just ordered a new starter from RockAuto - first time using them I hope it works out, the prices at the parts store and Honda/OEM are astronomical like over $500, got this one for $120 - I also got new intake manifold gaskets from Honda/OEM as I was recommended to replace those as well…
I’ve watched a few videos on YouTube about this process because like everything with his car it’s a PITA, I’m wondering if anyone has any tips tricks or advice for this install - I’ll be tackling it this coming weekend, should have all the parts by Thursday!
I know I need to remove the intake manifold and at least disconnect the intake from the throttle body, can I just leave the throttle body attached to the manifold or do I have to remove that too? Also, I assume I‘m not going to loose enough coolant for it to be a concern when I disconnect the line right?
Any help you guys could give would be great! Thanks in advance!!
 
owns 2012 Honda Civic Si
#3 ·
You know we could have had this convo days ago when I dang messaged you turd! 😆

So the intake manifold has 6 bolts and 2 nuts is that right? Disconnect base of intake and remove any lines/hoses/connectors — is that it? In one video I thought I saw some bracket on top of the manifold connected to the fuel rail or something…
The gaskets for the manifold just sit in little grooves right? Use a small pick to fish old out and press new in no sealant or anything yea?
And coolant drainage won’t amount to anything??

Thats it thats my last questions, thank you J
 
owns 2012 Honda Civic Si
#5 ·
To late got the new one in today, looks great, a lot bigger than I thought it’d be though - I’ve heard great things about RockAuto so I’m confident it’ll be good
 
owns 2012 Honda Civic Si
#7 ·
replacing the starter on my 1.8 was probably the most difficult job I've ever had to do. I think I remember a lot of the work was done blind and had to contort my hand and arm into weird places. required a lot of extensions and different sockets to reach the bolts. and the order of operations is very critical to removal and installation. I think I referenced several different videos I found on youtube before attempting. the factory service manual will have you jump through hoops to remove the starter. I went with a TYC unit (new) and it's been working reliably for over a year now. the OE starter was rusty and corroded.
 
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#8 ·
I’m wondering if anyone has any tips tricks or advice for this install -
Yes.
1. used a Honda or Denso branded reman starter.
2. remove the exhaust pipe
3. if you are over 35; pay someone to install the starter. (I'm old and know of what I have typed here)
 

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#9 ·
lol TF - everyone just takes the intake manifold off giving clear access - going to be some work I know but I’ve got to handle it, I’m having some other parts installed and can’t afford to tack this on the bill when I can do it myself
Starter is a PITA - Alternator is a PITA - even doing plugs on this car is a PITA, everything is…
 
owns 2012 Honda Civic Si
#11 ·
Got er’ done dog - a PITA BUT not as bad as I thought it’d be honestly, probably the hardest part was unbolting the actual starter itself as both bolts are tough to access.. The large 17mm in the front was so dang tight and my 1/2” only fit well enough to break it loose then I had to use a small ratchet wrench which was barely enough torque to turn it - then the extended 14mm in the rear was really tough to get too and I couldn’t get the power wire off of the top of the starter until after I unbolted it so basically was doing 1-2 clicks a turn on a freakin 88 tooth ratchet lol, took almost 10 minutes just to get it out and then another 10 getting back on.
Anyways job done!
 
owns 2012 Honda Civic Si
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#20 ·
IMO I would probably do both - 5 years is a long time for a battery esp if it’s a daily driver, also 389 crank amps is a little low… could still be a starter issue but maybe try battery first
 
owns 2012 Honda Civic Si
#23 ·
So it was in-fact the starter - And yea that’s some fantastic luck having that happen at home!
Definitely still do the battery too, that way you’ll be starting fresh - see what I did there!?
But seriously between the low cca’s and 5 years under its belt, time to change that battery too… only other power related part you’ll eventually need is alternator but if you’re battery and starter are new they will keep the alternator going a while longer… This is where I’m at with mine, I did the battery last year after some not so strong starts (fixed that problem), then this year after some hesitant starts or taking longer to crank then usual I did the starter and now it fires up QUICK and with authority!!

Just my opinion but I would seriously recommend purchasing the starter from RockAuto, I’ve always been weary of these type of sites/distributors BUT my ordering process / delivery time / price was terrific! My first time using the site and I think it took less then 10 minutes to choose the starter I wanted and order it / about 3-4 days max to receive it / price was 1/4 of what the auto parts stores or Honda would’ve charged.. shipped to my house for under $150 - parts stores want like $500+ .. Si or not they’re EXPENSIVE
 
owns 2012 Honda Civic Si
#25 ·
the problem is because the starter is hiding on the backside of the engine I believe it takes a good beating from road salt spray mist in the winter months and the corrosion and rust just destroy it. the Honda engines where the starters are up near the front of the engine seem to last longer (V6 engines)
and usually on my vehicles I start saving up for a new battery around year 4 because after that it's a gamble with how much useful juice the cells can hold.
 
#27 ·
This is all irrelevant - the ware & tare on a starter has to do simply with how often you use/drive/start your car, sometimes climate/where you live can play a roll in its overall longevity as well but mainly it’s usage… condition/maintenance of other electrical components may also play a very small roll ie; battery, plugs etc
 
owns 2012 Honda Civic Si
#28 ·
This is all irrelevant - the ware & tare on a starter has to do simply with how often you use/drive/start your car, sometimes climate/where you live can play a roll in its overall longevity as well but mainly it’s usage
still trying to figure out how the OE starter motor in my old 2007 Pilot managed to outlast the OE motor from my wife's 2012 Civic. Could it be because it had been a garage stored vehicle it's whole life? it certainly had more run time, more mileage, more age, and more cycles. Climate on both vehicles were identical.
 
#29 ·
Have you had the civic throughout its entire lifespan? Maybe if it was replaced before it was a cheap/off brand part that just failed quicker..?
If not and everything else was identical then you must have just got a gem 😉 — The being garage kept may also play a small roll
 
owns 2012 Honda Civic Si
#30 ·
the starters were both original when replaced. we are the original owners of the Civic. it was only garage kept from 2013 to 2019. since then our bigger vehicles have claimed the garage. old Pilot was garage kept by previous owner prior to our purchase of it in 2019 and then spent the rest of it's life in our garage until earlier this year (wrecked). All these vehicles being used for commuting to work and hauling around kids means they see at least on average 2 start cycles a day. Just going based on visual inspection after removal, the Civic starter looked in way worse condition compared to the Pilot's.
Both vehicles were given the TYC starter. it's a Chinese part but seems well built. of course if it fails sooner than later I will be bashing it here on another post.
 
#31 ·
lol I went with TYC for my replacement earlier this year as well, mine seems incredibly strong, I think we’ll be good brother!
Yea I will admit after further thought, garage kept vehicles do stay in marginally better shape…
 
owns 2012 Honda Civic Si