2007 1.6 Berlingo M59 starter motor nightmare

[rizla72]

Hi All

I have unfortunately just bout a Berlingo and need to replace the starter motor, its the one thats hidden down the back of the engine, I have removed 2 x hex bolts and cant find any more but the motor wont budge so I guess theres another one that Ive missed and cant find.  Can anyone help me with this and point me in the right direction?  Any help is much appreciated.

[cancunia]

Hi All

I have unfortunately just bout a Berlingo and need to replace the starter motor, its the one thats hidden down the back of the engine, I have removed 2 x hex bolts and cant find any more but the motor wont budge so I guess theres another one that Ive missed and cant find.  Can anyone help me with this and point me in the right direction?  Any help is much appreciated.

Not done this myself but I have read that it's a bit of a faff. You're right, there are 3 bolts, hopefully the attached will help.

[rizla72]

Hi All

I have unfortunately just bout a Berlingo and need to replace the starter motor, its the one thats hidden down the back of the engine, I have removed 2 x hex bolts and cant find any more but the motor wont budge so I guess theres another one that Ive missed and cant find.  Can anyone help me with this and point me in the right direction?  Any help is much appreciated.

Not done this myself but I have read that it's a bit of a faff. You're right, there are 3 bolts, hopefully the attached will help.

Bit of a faff? Im losing the will to live   Thanks for the diagram, will have another look tomorrow at the devils spawn.

[smutts]

For the first time, A.I. is absolutely spot on.
I quote.........

"Replacing a 1.6 HDI starter motor is widely regarded as a notoriously difficult and time-consuming job due to the engine's compact design and poor access. Mechanics and owners frequently describe it as a "bastard job" that can take 2 hours or more even with a ramp and proper tools."

Just sat down with two fingers of single malt, after several hours of swearfest.

It's just so pointlessly awkward.

[IHateMyDadsM59Berlingo]

Ive done this and I honestly would love never having to it again as as everyone has said its a pain. There are 3 bolts all together and as I was in your position when I did it the 3rd bolt can be found only by contorting your whole neck and body in a inhuman pose and really only felt by a socket. Its level with the upper outside bolt but about 10 to 15 cm behind it and its pretty much hidden by the bell housing if you dont know where to look. I was lying ontop of the engine to find it and I ended up cracking the spill rail posts of in the injectors. I also had my dad shining a flash light where I needed it as 2 hands are required at all time. The starter will come out the bottom(let it fall out from the bottom and make sure the connectors are all detached and out the way) then you can painfully lower the new starter  down from the top of the engine and then you have the task of aligneing it and getting at least one bolt to start. I would tighten the 2 outer bolts just to the point you have a bit of slack but the starter is mostly aligned then faf with the obscured pain in the rear one. It will be hard but patience and endurance is required by the tonne. It took me about 4 and a half hours and I did it in the garage I worked in at the time and I struggled with it so just take your time because god almighty you dont want to ever do that job twice.