how long does it take to fit a starter motor

How long it takes to fit (install) a starter motor is a bit like asking, “How long does it take to build a Lego set?” It depends on how tricky the pieces are and how much practice you have. But let’s break it down in simple terms.   ### For a pro (like a mechanic):   If they’ve done it a hundred times, it’s pretty quick. Most cars have the starter motor in a “easy to reach” spot—like under the engine, not buried under a bunch of other parts. A pro might finish in **30 minutes to an hour**. They know exactly which bolts to undo, how to disconnect the wires without fumbling, and can slot the new starter in smoothly. It’s like tying your shoes—fast when you’re used to it.   ### For a beginner (like someone trying it for the first time):   If you’re new, expect it to take longer. Maybe **2 to 3 hours**—or even half a day if things get tricky. Why?   - You might spend time just *finding* the starter motor under the car (it’s not always obvious!).   - The bolts could be rusted tight, so you’ll struggle to loosen them (like trying to open a stuck jar).   - You might mix up the wires (there are usually 2-3 wires connected to the starter—get them wrong, and it won’t work).   - You’ll probably go slow to avoid breaking something (no one wants to snap a bolt or yank a wire too hard!).   ### What makes it take longer?   Some cars are “jerks” with their starter placement. For example:   - Sports cars or small cars might cram the starter into a tiny space, so you have to twist your arm like a pretzel to reach it.   - Older cars often have rusted parts that take forever to loosen (think of trying to unscrew a bike pedal that’s been stuck for years).   - If you need to remove other parts first (like a plastic cover, a hose, or even part of the exhaust), that adds extra time—like having to move a pile of books to get to your backpack.   ### The bottom line:   Most of the time, it’s not a all-day job. Even beginners can get it done in a few hours with patience. And hey, like with any new skill—painting, gaming, or fixing cars—the more you do it, the faster you get. Just don’t rush—taking an extra 20 minutes to check you’ve connected the wires right is way better than having to redo it!