Starter motor

#1

Finishing a clutch job on an 88 E30. I have discovered what a treat (NOT) the starter motor is. Any tricks there? How can ONE person do that? Really.

#2

Here’s 4 ways:

You should be able to get a box end wrench on the bolt end (tranny side) and then turn the nuts with a socket wrench on the starter side.

If you have two people, one person can get to the bolts from underneath the car with some wobbly socket extensions.

Go buy this…http://www.harborfreight.com/1000-lb-capacity-engine-support-bar-96524.html That will let you lift the motor up off of the motor mounts. Then remove the motor mounts and drop the ending back down. This will give you 2" more room to get at the starter bolts on the tranny side.

One guy suggested tac welding nuts on to the starter, or use JB Weld to fasten nuts to the tranny housing. I’ve not tried that, but it sounds like a great idea.

#3

[quote=“Ranger” post=55144]Here’s 4 ways:

You should be able to get a box end wrench on the bolt end (tranny side) and then turn the nuts with a socket wrench on the starter side.

If you have two people, one person can get to the bolts from underneath the car with some wobbly socket extensions.

Go buy this…http://www.harborfreight.com/1000-lb-capacity-engine-support-bar-96524.html That will let you lift the motor up off of the motor mounts. Then remove the motor mounts and drop the ending back down. This will give you 2" more room to get at the starter bolts on the tranny side.

One guy suggested tac welding nuts on to the starter, or use JB Weld to fasten nuts to the tranny housing. I’ve not tried that, but it sounds like a great idea.[/quote]

Oooooo. I REALLY like the welding trick !!! Then, it’s just the fun stuff of getting that upper bolt in place. I have the welder, so that sounds better than using the engine holder. Guess I could do the same with an engine crane, and i have that as well.

Thanks for the great ideas.