58 apache starter removal problem

[Apache Crazy]

I am having a problem removing my starter. This is a original 283 with the hydramatic trans and 3 bolt starter, bell housing mount. Two of the three bolts are no problem but the third is right up against the block with no apparent way to remove. What am I missing? Any advice is appreciated.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

The lower bolt comes in from the back side when it is a manual trans. I suppose the auto matic is the same way.

[Apache Crazy]

Its the upper bolt that I'm having a problem with. It is too close to the block. I think the block protrusion is where a two bolt starter would bolt up. Not sure though. All of the bolts are blocked on the back side by the bell housing.

[mr48chev]

I've taken a "not one of my good ones" box end wrench and ground down the outside of the box end so it was thin enough to clear obstructions a number of times.
There are also "starter" wrenches that are have a curve in them so you can reach around the starter and clear an obstruction on the other end. but I think your problem is either clearing room behind the bolt head or finding a wrench head that fits what room you have.
You might make sure that there isn't dirt caked up behind the bolt head keeping you from getting a wrench on it too.

[OrrieG]

There have been times I have had to use a lot of rachet extensions and a thin wall socket to remove various bolts, but starter does not come to mind. If the fuel pump is in the way a universal joint in the mix might help too.

[Apache Crazy]

Thanks guys, I'm going to take another look at it Tuesday and maybe try taking off the bell housing inspection plate on the bottom and see if I can access it from the back side and maybe I'll take a pic and post it so everyone can see what I'm looking at.

[55dude]

Many years again my buddy had same issue and used socket with extensions to remove that bolt and he did it before removing the other bolts. He ditched that bolt for allen cap bolt.
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[mr48chev]

I think 55Dude hit on one Key point. remove that bolt first. The other is use a very thin wall socket on it. If you haven't got it off you may have to hunt down a thin wall socket or take the grinder to one you can sacrifice for the good of the cause. I've got a few in my tool box that got "modified by grinder" over the years for situations like that.

Replacing that bolt with an Allen head bolt might be a real good option too.

[55dude]

Allen head will give you all the clearance you need.

[Apache Crazy]

Well, I finally got the bolt out. I found a short open end wrench and used it at an extreme angle and was able to turn it about an eighth turn at a time. I think I am going to look at buying a two bolt replacement starter as my block is already drilled and tapped for that style. Does anyone know what starter, by make model year etc.. I could ask for at my local parts store? Any input would be appreciated, I'm sure I am not the first to give this a try.

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by Apache Crazy

Well, I finally got the bolt out. I found a short open end wrench and used it at an extreme angle and was able to turn it about an eighth turn at a time. I think I am going to look at buying a two bolt replacement starter as my block is already drilled and tapped for that style. Does anyone know what starter, by make model year etc.. I could ask for at my local parts store? Any input would be appreciated, I'm sure I am not the first to give this a try.

You need the starter for the size of flywheel you have on the truck as you have the starter that bolts to the bellhousing you have the 168 tooth flywheel which takes the starter with the offset bolts to bolt it to the block but those don't clear the corner on the bellhousing and you end up having to cut a bit off the corner of the bellhousing. I'd much rather run the starter that bolts to the bellhousing as I have never had one of them eat up a ring gear on a flywheel. Do as 55Dude suggested and get an allen head bolt for that spot. I think in the long run you will be a lot happier.

[_Ogre]

if there is access on the end, use an allen bolt to put it back in

[OrrieG]

ditto what mr48 said. block mts are ok when adjusted right. wrong and you end eat teeth onon the flywheel you get to fight until you replace it. my kid went thru 3 starters on her truck and got pretty good at bumping the engine by hand when the solenoid would not engzge the worn flywheel teeth.
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[55dude]

You can actually use allen bolts to replace all 3 bolts and then any future clearance issues are gone.
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[Apache Crazy]

Sorry, I've been out of commission for awhile(surgery) all is ok though. The allen bolts were good advice and that's what I did. Thanks!