My car'* starter died while parked in front of my place in the street. I have no jack or jackstands, and I found all the electrical connections and the front bolt while laying on my back. My question is, can I get to the rear bolt without jacking the car up? I'm pretty petite (female too) and I can fit into some tight places, but I don't know if I can fit my head back there to get to the other bolt. I also don't know if I can get the penetrating oil up in there either.

Has anyone done this before without a jack? Can I get a mirror and get it by feel? I was about to sell it when the starter went out, so I want to put as little money into it as possible.

I know the starter is not installed, but this should help you out some.

I never had to try on a Bonneville, but did on a '96 Buick Regal. It certainly is not an easy job, and not because of trying to get the rear bolt out. It'* more of a leverage problem putting it back together....holding the starter up with one hand while fiddling and trying to get the bolt started with the other. It'* likely doable, if you have a fair amount of arm strength.

I don't have any pic'*, but I have done it without a jack in about a 45 minutes.That doesn't help you much. But if I can do it I'm sure anyone can(5,11 and 250lbs) So I'm sure you can get under there much better than I did. I believe there are two bolts that require an extention to get to in the back of the starter.

Nope, just 2 bolts. As indicated by the arrows in the photo. If you pull your airbox out you should be able to get to it from up top instead of underneath.

Mike, there might be a distinct difference between the L27 and L36. They are two totally different engines.

Michelle, I haven't had the 'luxury' of doing mine on either car yet, but I'll crawl under one of them today as soon as it warms up and let you know.

Thanks guys. I'm going to start on it when it gets a little lighter out. I'll let you know how it goes.

I looked the part up online and went to check outside, There is only 2 bolts on my 94 SE. I guess I was mistaken.

I hesitate to start the Zilla this early (my neighbors might not like it) to get my ramps out. I'll go wiggle under the SLE (same bumper height as your 93) and see if I can prove a 'test fit' for you right now.

Michelle, I'm not very big (5'9", 150lbs) and I believe I could do it on an SE or SLE without jacking or ramps. It'll be tight, but you should be able to do it. I didn't remove my splash shield, but my general feeling is that there is enough room, especially since you're a bit smaller than me.

I'd never be able to on an SSEi, though. The front bumper is far too low.