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TR6 Starter removal SOS, HELP!

Gliderman8

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My original starter finally gave out yesterday.
I bought a new Denso as a replacement.
I'm struggling (really struggling) to get the top bolt of the starter out. Since the bolt head is behind the firewall how do you keep it from spinning?
 
TR3 has the same issue. I used a claw foot wrench. It's basically just a short open end wrench driven by a ratchet. With the right extensions, it's possible from the engine side of the car.
 
Thanks for your reply. I can just about get an open end wrench on the nut but turning is futile since the bolt head rotates behind the firewall. I'm not sure from your description that I can get a ratchet, extension, or anything else back there.
 
It's too late now, Elliot, but after you remove the transmission tunnel you may want to cut an access door for that fastener in case there is a next time..

The access at the rear is for greasing the drive shaft forward U-joint....Both assess doors have come in handy.
 
TexasKnuckelhead is correct. I had the same problem recently. Just sneak in a claw wrench with an extension and you can hold it in place for the tightening.
 
I'll pick up a claw wrench tomorrow... Not convinced it will fit but will let you know.
Ken- good idea about the access hole. Maybe one day when the tunnel comes out. All I can say is Grrrrrrr :mad-new: :censored:
 
The tunnel may have to come out sooner than you think, Elliot, but good luck with the crows foot.
 
Update.... It's OUT!
I went "low-tech" and slid a wooden paint stirrer like you get at the big box store. It was thin enough to fit between firewall and transmission. I'll try the claw wrench to tighten.
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I remember welding a section of 16d nail to the nut to prevent it from turning. I also remember how much smaller&lighter the Denso starter was compared to the original. Removing the original starter was very challenging with the carbs in place..
Berry
 
Yes, that is one of those miserable jobs that looks like it should be relatively easy. I added helicoils in the bellhousing for those two bolts on both my TR3 and TR6. Cheers, Mike
 
Update #2
This morning I installed the New starter. NO LUCK!
BOTH starters are not reaching the ring gear. When I turn the key the starter spins but doesn't engage the ring gear.
I inspected the ring gear and there are no broken teeth.
What is going on????
Help!
 
!. Where's you get the starter?
2. Is the bendex popping out?
3. One way to fix the top bolt problem. Install a nut cert there. Problem solved
 
I got the new starter at a local shop. The starter gear is popping out but the ring gear has moved a 1/2" or more away. See my other thread. When I remove the transmission I'll deal with the hard to get to bolt.
 
You have to remove the transmission to get to the two bolts that hold the starter in place? I'm getting ready to replace my starter as well.
 
No, thankfully the starter can be removed without taking the transmission out.
The one bolt on the bottom is easy to get to. The upper bolt extends into the firewall but as was pointed out to me yesterday, a claw wrench is your best friend.
 
Is a 'claw wrench" the same thing as a 'crow foot' wrench or socket ?
 
Is a 'claw wrench" the same thing as a 'crow foot' wrench or socket ?
Ken is right, my bad. It is under a crowfoot wrench. Thank Ken.
 
I used the wrench that was in the tool set that came with the car it was one of the English wrench that they sell at moss for the bolts on the car. It is thinner so it went right on to the bolt. Then I just let it wedge it self in there as I turn the bolt on the other side with a short socket. Did the same thing when I put the new starter in. I put in a High torque starter and everything worked great.
 
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