1993 Saturn SL2 Starter bracket and plastic cover

DOH DOH

MEMBER
1993 SATURN SL2

Electrical problem
1993 Saturn SL2 4 cyl Automatic 58,000 miles

My friend just installed a starter for me today in my 1993 SL2 Saturn. As he was installing it. He noticed the hot wire going from alternator to starter was too short. So he modified the wire, so it would fit. My question is: Is the bracket (which doesn't fit the new starter) and the plastic cover (also cannot be used, because it attaches to the bracket) and plastic cover definately needed on the new starter? For some reason, it does not fit with the new starter. Is the bracket used to keep the starter solid & in place? And if the plastic cover is not attached. Will water get on the starter when it rains and u are driving?

4 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

If your new starter is shorter which I bet it is it doesn't need the bracket. The reason the old one needed the bracket because of the length and weight of the starter. The newer starter's are shorter and no longer need the bracket. The plastic cover you can throw away you don't need that no worries there. Now that wire your friend made longer is a fuse able link which is designed in case the alternator short's out and then will create a open to the alternator. Taking away the power to the alternator preventing a fire.I would never make one of those longer you need to get a new longer one.

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Monday, August 9th, 2010 AT 1:37 PM

DOH DOH

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Are u saying with the wire (fusible link) my friend made. That is could cause a fire? He used to be a hot rod mechanic, and did a great job on making the fusible link longer. I am just wondering now. Could this cause a fire? It has been working just fine. Please let me know. U suggested I buy a new (longer) fusible link. Thanks for your help!

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Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 AT 2:13 AM

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
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I'm not saying it will cause a fire I was just describing what the purpose of that wire was. But think about it the wire is all fuse able link material made to create a open if it's overloaded. Now your adding copper wire to make it longer that copper wire change's how the wire reacts to the overload now. The copper wire isn't made to create a open in an overloaded condition. It will still supply power to alternator but it change's how the wire reacts if the alternator were to short out. Even new or rebuilt alternator's can short out think of that wire as the fuse for the alternator. You can change the wire or leave it alone that's your choice I was just telling you what I think about the wire being made longer.

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Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 AT 12:05 PM

DOH DOH

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Thanks sweetie.U are so kind to answer my questions. Now I understand! Big Hugs Dianne (doh doh). Ha.I chose that nickname. Since all the other names I chose, were already taken. I wrote doh doh. Knowing THAT would go thru. And it did! Haha

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Thursday, August 12th, 2010 AT 4:54 AM