My hats off to the guys over the years that removed the top starter bolt without a pit or hoist. Examined it this morning over my pit and decided will lower the transmission a little and heat the starter flange with ox/acc just before removing it based on so many descriptions of how tight it might be. Almost cannot visulize someone doing it with car close to ground and no heat but know they have. Suspect the shank of bolt seizes to the bellhousing over the years rather than rusty threads by the way. That may be why the fellow using a mapp gas torch still had trouble. It is not rocket science but too wrestle in there on the ground or concrete with the car only slightly off the ground is something else. Perhaps I am just getting old. Well off to lower the tranny a little.

Of course mine lacks corrosion and is "well-oiled" but I have never had that much difficulty removing the top bolt. Usually the trouble came when trying to reinsert on installation. It takes a few tries to keep the bolt on the end of the hex-bit and extension in order insert it into a hole that you can't see or feel.

The last two times of changing the starter out took place in a parking lot. Crank steering wheel to the left, use spare tire under the car for safety, and try to wipe flashlight off as best as you can, when you drop it, before reinserting it into your mouth. And I'm not that young either.

__________________
Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

Sam, you've got to get a "headlight" - I have one that takes 3 AA batteries and has LED lights. Only a couple cubic inches in total volume, not much more than the batteries. I'm done chomping mini-maglites like a cigar. Plus, I don't use a creeper. I keep a few large sheets of flat cardboard to lie down on.

__________________
'82 300SD - 361K mi - "Blue"

"Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement."

listen, look, .........and duck.

I know what you are talking about. I've got 3 of them. Guess what, I didn't have any of them with me on the road.

__________________
Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )