Head bolts on starter! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dazsa · #1 09-23-2007, 02:00 PM

My 84-300D starter is attached by two head bolts, NOT the allen bolts. Where can I get the socket to remove them? I don't want to take it in because the the cheapest mechanic around here to replace it is $150! I have the replacement starter.

So, where can I get that socket? I tried the local parts stores and nothing.

Thanks, Don

TMAllison · #2 09-23-2007, 02:17 PM

Head bolt?

Is it a 6 point star? That would be torx. Comes male or female (socket). Pretty common at most parts houses.

tangofox007 · #3 09-23-2007, 02:32 PM

You will need a triple square socket/bit. I think that I have seen them in Autozone. I suspect that NAPA could round one up. Or a tool truck.

dazsa · #4 09-23-2007, 04:16 PM

No, it is not a torx bit. I have a ton of those. It is the same head as the cylinder head bolt. A mechanic even verified it when he gave me an estimate to switch starters for me...he asked me who did that. I told him that I did not know if the PO did it or another shop. I don't think the PO did it because he was a pretty conscientious guy.

I couldn't find anything close at Autozone or Advance Auto.

Don

pawoSD · #5 09-23-2007, 04:49 PM

couldn't you just grind off the head with a dremel....then the starter will come off as the threads of the bolt screw into the starter, they only slide through the ears on the side of the tranny/engine. Then you could remove the bolts from the starter with pliers....or leave them on it. And then get a couple proper starter bolts.

Thats what I'd probably do. The way its mounted makes this pretty easy to do since the stubs will be stuck to the old starter instead of the engine.

tangofox007 · #6 09-23-2007, 04:59 PM

http://www.mytoolstore.com/sk/sk03093.html

sailor15015 · #7 09-23-2007, 06:30 PM

I got an assortment of triple squares from my local Autozone.

TMAllison · #8 09-23-2007, 07:59 PM

The 6 point bit ought to go into the 12 point hole especially if it is persuaded with a 3lb hammer. You would need to have replacement bolts on hand of course and you would probably ruin the bit.

Theres not a lot of options on Sunday sometimes.

Brian Carlton · #9 09-23-2007, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMAllison

The 6 point bit ought to go into the 12 point hole especially if it is persuaded with a 3lb hammer. You would need to have replacement bolts on hand of course and you would probably ruin the bit.

Theres not a lot of options on Sunday sometimes.

Terry, that's not going to happen........the flats on the six points interfere with the points on the 12 point...........not advisable under the worst possible circumstances. The risk of rounding off the fastener is huge.

lietuviai · #10 09-23-2007, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

couldn't you just grind off the head with a dremel....then the starter will come off as the threads of the bolt screw into the starter, they only slide through the ears on the side of the tranny/engine. Then you could remove the bolts from the starter with pliers....or leave them on it. And then get a couple proper starter bolts.

Thats what I'd probably do. The way its mounted makes this pretty easy to do since the stubs will be stuck to the old starter instead of the engine.

The only problem doing that is the bolts will get in the way of pulling out the starter. There isn't much room to maneuver that starter out w/o the bolts.

TMAllison · #11 09-23-2007, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Terry, that's not going to happen........the flats on the six points interfere with the points on the 12 point...........not advisable under the worst possible circumstances. The risk of rounding off the fastener is huge.

OK...so you made me get up and go look.

FYI - My T55 torx (six point) bit fits snugly by hand in the cyl head 12 point bolt head on my 85. No hammer required. Maybe you were thinking hex?

Brian Carlton · #12 09-23-2007, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMAllison

OK...so you made me get up and go look.

FYI - My T55 torx (six point) bit fits snugly by hand in the cyl head 12 point bolt head on my 85. No hammer required.

Don't even think about it.

I almost stripped the mounting bolt on the diff on the SDL thinking the same thing. The Torx fits fine.........but..........it'll strip as fast as you turn the handle on the ratchet wrench. I could feel the bit starting to let go and I gave up. The mechanic at the dealership loaned me the proper 12 point bit and it worked without issue.

TMAllison · #13 09-23-2007, 08:23 PM

I'll take your word for it Brian.

I've not tried it; with age I plan ahead more and have also learned to "start" these projects on Saturday's when the better parts stores are more likely to be open.

pawoSD · #14 09-23-2007, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lietuviai

The only problem doing that is the bolts will get in the way of pulling out the starter. There isn't much room to maneuver that starter out w/o the bolts.

True....I thought about that but didn't know if it'd clear it or not....its been 8 months since I replaced one.

Brian Carlton · #15 09-23-2007, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMAllison

I'll take your word for it Brian.

I've not tried it; with age I plan ahead more and have also learned to "start" these projects on Saturday's when the better parts stores are more likely to be open.

With age, I need three of them..........one that's out of service.........one that's in service.........and one that can be pressed into service if necessary............I never finish a job in a weekend.

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