Starter replacement What is intailed to R&R a starter for a 99 LS 400

Removing the starter from a 99 LS is a fairly big undertaking. The starter is located underneath the intake manifold as with many multi cam engines nowadays. The coolant needs to be drained into a container so you can reuse it. The throttle body assembly must be removed along with the electrical connections located on the top portion of the engine. The intake manifold and related accessories need to come off. The lower portion of the intake can be removed along with the injectors left in as an assembly if I remember. Once you have the intake off, the starter will be visible. There is a coolant crossover pipe that must be removed. The next part is an absolute pain in the ****. There are two cap nuts that hold the starter to the engine block. These have to come out the back. Take your time and they'll come off. If you got big hands, you might be in trouble. They are difficult to get to.

Install in reverse order, reinstall electrical connections and hope it starts. If it doesn't...well...nobody said life's easy...ha.

Before undertaking this repair, make sure you have new lower and upper intake gaskets handy. You'll need these during reassembly.

Have fun!

Honestly, it is usually cheaper to purchase a rebuilt starter. It costs more because you usually have to buy a rebuild kit and sometimes need to have machine work done to the commutators on the armature of the starter. It can actually cost you more. What is nice with a rebuilt starter is they have a warranty and have mostly new parts in them. If you try and fix a starter another part can just wear out down the line and the process will repeat itself. This way you can replace it once and be done with it. If you turn the key and the starter does not even click you may be able to just replace the solenoid. The solenoid is the smaller cylinder located on the starter houseing.

Here is a link to replacement starters:

Replacement Starters

Good luck.

Thanks - Tech101