Starter replacement without removing motor?

[Silver4]

Specifically 2013 RS Venture (with carbs)

I have read posts on this issue and I'm trying to decide if I should tackle it myself.
It does sound like a PTA with the starter mounted at the rear, but I have not determined if it's actually possible as a DIY job.

Can the motor be tilted forward and the starter removed from the top on this year of RS Venture?
Thanks in advance

 

[74Nitro]

Front pair of engine mount bolts have to come out.
Exhaust has to be undone at flex flanges.
Rear engine bolt can stay in.

 

[ski332]

Just did mine Had to remove air box --battery box-- front motor mounts--and not sure what the other 2 bolts are called but when you lift front of motor it hits these bolts Believe they are steering arm bolts easy to remove Also have to remove oil filter this gives enough wiggle room to replace starter

 

[ski332]

Forgot to mention Sled is a 2013 Venture

 

[Silver4]

Big Thanks Ski332 (and 74 Nitro), that's great to know!

Dealer said, and as is mentioned above- "exhaust has to be undone at flanges... how do you access that?? From below (flipping sled on its side, drilling rivits ??) or do you remove the seat? Do I need new doughnuts once they are apart? (again as dealer said)

Also dealer said clutch has to come off??

I get this job is a PITA but is it basically DIY doable for a capable yet non-mechanic sledder such as myself do you think?

Much appreciated, your reply made my day. Cheers.

 

[RobX-1]

To get to those exhaust flanges, not only will the seat need to be removed but you will also need to remove the gas tank as it's the tank that is sitting atop of the access panel that you will have to remove to access those flanges. The only time drilling out rivets is required is when you are unable to loose the bolts securing/supporting the exhaust headers/muffler to the tunnel. It's when they are rusted/stripped out that guys will just drill out the rivets securing the bracket that the bolts fasten to.

 

[Silver4]

Ok thanks for that info..
Is it hard to remove the seat and gas tank in a '13 Venture?
Are the steps described DIY doable or really a job for $$Dealer?

 

[thrasher]

How far does the engine need to be tilted? Isn't there enough flex in those accordion like exhaust phlanges?

 

[CaptCaper]

How far does the engine need to be tilted? Isn't there enough flex in those accordion like exhaust phlanges?

I don't think so. I saw a video on utube were a guy did a starter on his yamaha. what a pia. search utube for vector etc. I don't know where it was or I'd send a link to you. He had it laying on it's side and worked up into and by the oil filter area.

 

[Mooseman]

And I wouldn't stress them too much as they can break just with normal use.

 

[Silver4]

I think I will tackle this myself and will post accordingly but question...

1) With procedure above, does the starter come out from the front/top or bottom? (having removed the oil filter)
2) should starter bolts have to be torqued to specific ft lbs or is there no hope of getting a torque wrench in there?

 

[74Nitro]

If you want to try this without undoing the exhaust, then the rear engine mount bolt would have to come out for sure. The engine would have to be well supported from above then.
Even then it may not work.

 

[Silver4]

I will undo the exhaust but am unclear if the goal is to tilt engine back and then remove starter from front/top of engine?
Or is it then removed from the bottom?

 

[74Nitro]

Only comes out the bottom..