I'm fixing a botched clutch job on my 2003 Honda Civic Si hatchback manual 5 speed tranny. All of the write ups and DIY videos I found on the net say the starter needs to come out, but after reviewing the Honda factory service manual, it makes no reference of needing to pull it. So would I be safe leaving the starter installed when separating the tranny from the engine?

 

Yes, you can leave it installed... just remove the 17mm front starter bolt because it passes through the starter, through the block and into the transmission case.

 

Thank you! The first time I pulled the tranny, getting the starter out added 8 to 12 hrs to the job. The guy helping completely pulled it out and disconnected the wires, and then spent 4 hrs trying to reconnect the negative wire, then we eventually just took the intake manifold off to be able to plug it in. You are a life saver!