Howdy folks, first-time caller here. I decided to dive into the rat's nest that is the engine bay on my '87 Raider 2.6 manual, mostly because the starter has been intermittent for about a month now. I finally (after much swearing and bashing of knuckles) got the starter's bottom bolt out, but how in the name of all that is holy do I get at the top bolt?!?!?

I mean, do I have to remove the intake first or something?

Thanks for any help you can give.

You positive it's the starter? What's it doing?

When I bash it with a jack handle, it works. It wasn't starting--my best guess is stuck brushes. Not surprising at 198k miles, I suppose.

Ratcheting wrench from the top.

Suck it up, everyone who changes 2.6 starters has this same PITA.

Yessir...sucked up, sir. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the help...I'm goin' in.

Sorry to be blunt. I know how bad it is. Only gets worse with turbo equipment on top of it.

Clean the threads with a wirewheel so it will go back in with your fingers when you reassemble, and consider using a holesaw to cut a hole in the firewall maybe?

If only I owned one of those. I just came back upstairs (apartment dweller) to warm up a bit--I can't for the life of me figure out how to get at that top bolt. Even with the air cleaner out of the way, hoses and whatnot prevent direct access to the bolt head. My ratchet with the jointed head is too large to fit between the bolt head and firewall, and I can't get any leverage using a box-end wrench--plus, there's no room for a cheater bar.

The bottom bolt was a toughy--I had to pry it loose using a breaker bar before I could hit it with the ratchet. And of COURSE the bolt ran away and hid.

I'm *almost* ready to push-start the Raider and drop it at a shop. Kills me to do that, though.

I used to drive a full-size Jeep (Grand Wagoneer), so I have some experience wrenching. This little thing has me stumped, though.

I think I got to mine with lots of wobble extensions from the back side. It helps if you take the brake line hold downs loose for a little better access.

Or go to the parts house and buy a cheapo set of box ends and heat one up and bend it to fit.

It's the starter solenoid that's probably wonky, and it is barely possible to get it off without pulling the starter motor. Brushes are a maybe to get loose in the truck. Can't remember where they are on the motor housing as mounted.

I bought some Husky ratchet, swivel box end wrenches from Home Depot. No more getting under the truck or removing other things to get the top bolts. As long as your dextrous enough, you can get both bolts from below the intake manifold. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

What works for me,is like one of the other post said to clean the threads, then apply a small amount of anti-seize on threads. Then start by hand and use every wobble and straight extension you can buy or beg. If memory is correct I used over 3 feet of various extension to get to bolts. If you make the mistake of buying a Autozone starter(lifetime wrty) like I did you will get plenty of practice getting at those bolts.

good luck