Starter Removal

[phatnine11]

To all,
This is the first time I ever started a new topic! I am in the process of removing the starter motor from my 1987 911. I have checked and read every post about this subject including the tech articles. I have used Wayne's book and also checked the Bentley manual, still cannot remove the top bolt. Is there a special procedure for removing the top starter bolt. It looks like I might need to drop the engine for this. Any advice and opinions would be great. I have tried allen wrenches, allen sockets with all kinds of extensions, but nothing seems to work. There is no room to get a ratchet on the socket/extensions.
Thanks in advance for any help,
Phatnine11

[oneblueyedog]

The top nut is doable without engine drop. I did it by using a long extension(12") and feeling for the nut on the opposite side of the transmission. The ratchet handle extends on the opposite side too in the clear area over the transmission in the transmission hump/ tunnel. A mirror will help in finding the nut and setting up the wrenches.

You need to make sure that the barrel nut on top is clean, so the allen socket will go deep into it. Carb cleaner will wash the grime away

[oneblueyedog]

[Ned nyna 11]

I got mine using a sawed off length of hex and a 10 mm wrench on the hex.

Note that the manual recommends removing the transmission mounts and lowering the front to get better access to that bolt.

I did that and though tedious the job was not difficult.

Sway bar, heater hose, shifter connection and the elec connectors to the trans come off before you can lower it.

[jstobo]

What year is your car? My 69 had a 17mm hex bolt not the allen(10mm). My new starter was slightly different and I replaced the hex with the allen bolt. I usesd a 6" extension with a deep well socket -perfect length for the hex bolt. You will need to hug the transmission with your right arm going over the top. You can probably feel the type of bolt you have once you get your arm over the transmission. Good luck.

[akopac]

I used a normal 10mm allen wrench. I took a 3/4"X5" galvenized nipple with a cap on the end and put it over it to extend the allen wrench and pad my hand. You can vary the extension by sliding the niple in and out. You do have to get at it from over the top of the transmission for sure

[tmctguer]

on my '89 911, i couldn't get to the bolt without dropping the tranny about 1 or 2 inches. i also had a LONG extension contraption i put together and still felt like i my arm would be pulled out of socket reaching into the body to loosen that bolt.

getting that top bolt off ranks as one of the biggest pains in the *ss i've ever encountered in my years of do-it-yourself wrenching. i was cursing the day my car came off the assembly line in Stuttgart !

good luck.......be careful NOT to strip that damn allen head bolt !

[psalt]

I have tried allen wrenches, allen sockets with all kinds of extensions, but nothing seems to work. There is no room to get a ratchet on the socket/extensions.


I use an adjustable extension to get the precise length to fit a ratchet behind the starter. Alignment is an issue, and when you get it out, put the better allen nut on the top.

[Adelaide901]

I thought this was relatively easy to do? (well at least mine was).
Are you "hugging" your transmission to get to it? i.e. reaching from over the top?
Get a bright light in there with a mirror and have a good look around, try to work some angles etc.
I cant recall the details of when I did mine ( I do recall using a long allen key - the type you buy in packs of 10 assorted sizes), but once you crack it you can probably work it out with your fingers(??), so perhaps a small arc is all you need.
It is worth the effort, my new one weighed ALOT less than the original and cranking sounded so much better - I sat there and cranked it just to hear it whirl after I first got it in.
Good luck

[SCrescue]

Are you "hugging" your transmission to get to it? i.e. reaching from over the top?

Agree 100% with Adelaide901's advice above...easiest way to do it IMO.

Mike...

[m110]

On G50 cars I think the easiest way is to do a partial engine drop right off the bat. You don't have to disconnect any lines and the couple extra inches makes it a breeze with a good socket/wrench setup.

[Walt Fricke]

If you are having trouble with extensions, use a wobble in there, either at the socket/allen immediately, or somewhere along the way as you add extensions.

This will allow you to angle things so you can get some socket handle swing without putting the tool end out of true.

Every shade tree mechanic should have a wobble end extension or two or three in his arsenal.

[chamilun]

+1

Originally Posted by adelaide901

i thought this was relatively easy to do? (well at least mine was).
Are you "hugging" your transmission to get to it? I.e. Reaching from over the top?
Get a bright light in there with a mirror and have a good look around, try to work some angles etc.
I cant recall the details of when i did mine ( i do recall using a long allen key - the type you buy in packs of 10 assorted sizes), but once you crack it you can probably work it out with your fingers(??), so perhaps a small arc is all you need.
It is worth the effort, my new one weighed alot less than the original and cranking sounded so much better - i sat there and cranked it just to hear it whirl after i first got it in.
Good luck