1971 starter question.

[zenithblue71T]

I have a stock 71t. My starter acts funny and won't work in high heat situations. So I'm replacing the starter and wtf, how do I get to the top bolt? I can't reach it or touch it whatsoever. Do I have to remove the tranny to get at it? I replaced a 912 starter like 6 times and don't remember this problem at all.

I searched the threads and haven't seen this issue.

[edmayo]

Since you would have to remove the starter first in order to remove the transmission that won't work!!! The top starter nut should be a 10mm allen head nut, I use a 3/8" dr. ratchet handle, and a long extension (to get the handle out past the front edge of the starter) With one hand I go over the top of the transmission from the driver side so I can guide the socket into the nut that I'm guiding the extension and socket into the area with the other hand. There should also be the oil line bracket under the starter nut.

[zenithblue71T]

May God bless you Ed Mayo!

[kentf14]

God speed man. This is one of those bolts that you just have to go at blindly.

[304065]

I hasten to add that you should disconnect the battery, perhaps even going so far as to remove it from the car and have your neighbor watch it, before working up in there. The M8 (13mm ATF) nut on the starter is perilously close to the area you want to work!

Ed, on the fasteners from trans to engine, is this right? Two M10 studs at 4:00 and 8:00, another shorter one at 10:00 under the lower starter lug, a cheese-head M10 stud with an 8mm internal wrenching feature on the top of the starter, then a final bolt at 2:00?

[naparsei]

You might try the starter relay kit before going after the starter. You can find it here on Pelican.

[edmayo]

John, you're 100% correct on disconnecting the battery, I tend to assume people know to do that,,,,,if not they will as soon as the sparks fly

As to the stud and bolt arrangement, that changes over the years except the bottom two at 4:00and 8:00 are always the same, I just deal with whatever is there, but I'm reasonably sure that his 71 will have the bolt at the top starter lug (11:00) I seem to remember having to get that bolt through the oil hose bracket then the starter before threading into the case. I believe in 72 with the 915 that became a stud. (and oil line went under the trans)

Zenith you should consider the SR68X 1.5 H.P. starter, more expensive, but it eliminates hot start problems.

[zenithblue71T]

Hmmm, I bought the bosch starter. Yeah, I disconnected both ground straps but gave up on the top bolt.

[EA911]

Hey James - I just recently replaced my starter and used the recommended "bear hug" method to get to the top bolt which btw was a 8mm allen bolt and not a 10mm. Might just be my car but make sure you have an 8mm handy JIC.

The bottom line is you will need to experiment with different length extenders and different body positions while hugging your transmission but its pretty straight forward once you get pass that

Edric