Question about removing a starter

[snowman6971]

I have an 87 supra 7M-GE none turbo and today I wanted to remove the starter the bolt on the under side was no problem the bolt on the top is a real pain in the a$$, is there a trick to getting at it? I have almost all tools known to man but was having one hell of a time, I am removing the engine and leaving the tranny in place, any help would be great. I can`t seem to reach the top bolt, maybe there is a trick that I dont know thanks Randy.......

[snowman6971]

got it out thanks for the help.

[hypnotoad]

have exactly the same problem - details, please!

[cdnsupra]

the key is too have the right socket, the right extensions, and the flex joint in the right spot. then you have to know where the socket has to go, because you cannot see it. you have to feel the socket into place.

people who have done it can do it again easily. people who have not have lots of trouble becuase they don;t know where to look.

[hypnotoad]

is there anything that can be written down, like which socket and extensions?

Is this a bolt with a nut on it (that has to be held in place with another wrench) or do the threads go right into the starter housing?

[Tercel GTS]

maybe you can grab a digi-cam and take pics, since you know where to look

[hypnotoad]

got it out, here's details for posterity

slipped a 14mm open end wrench over the nut, which is on the front (toward front of car) side - dunno whether this actually helped, but since it's a real nut (not welded to the housing) I felt it would help stabilize so it wouldn't turn with the bolt. could not get the box end around the nut - too many obstructions

14mm 3/8in socket over the bolt head, feeling for it only (cannot see from above or below); next is flex-extension, then my two longest extensions (about 8in each)

keep everything as straight as possible along side the tranny (has to be bent at the flex a little, but the more it's flexed the less torque goes to the socket - don't round it off!)

use 3/8 ratchet and pull smoothly but firmly; I even used the side of the tranny to stabilize the extensions; keep left hand on the socket to prevent it from popping off the bolt head

starter can be removed from underneath but tight squeeze around the brake lines, wires, stablizer bar

[tommi3]

http://users3.ev1.net/~hmillerjr/starter/trans/ little hard to understand but there's pictures :]

[yotasrcool]

Dont know if I can help with my advice, but Ive had a supra for a while and have changed starters on several others. I have found the easiest way for me is to get a floor jack, a ratcheting wrench and about a 3-5" long 2X4. I put the jack under the rear of the tranny and jack it up some, not alot, just enough to get some space between the firewall and the cylinder head. Then you can get to the top bolt with the wrench from the top. I have done this several times and it works great. Just my 2 cents! Almost forgot to tell you about the board! Wedge the board between the firewall and the cylinder head incase the jack slips you will still have an arm.

[chinesemechanic]

You have to put a wrench on the nut and then take a 2-foot extension, a swivel, and your socket and give her hail.

[bosco659]

When attempting to get at the top starter bolt, did anyone unbolt the rear tranny mount to tilt the engine back to get more clearance for the extensions / sockets?

I will be removing the whole tranny for a clutch replacement - any other tips?

Thanks