BJ74 Starter removal

[Joe70]

For the life of me I can't figure how a person is expected to remove the top bolt on this sucker. I can't even get a finger on the thing, never mind a wrench. Am I correct to assume that access to the top bolt would be from under the hood? If so, I suppose that would mean remove the trans dipstick and disconnect the wiring that goes in that area? I was hoping not to touch the wiring. Any suggestions?

 

[Canuck]

I accessed the top bolt from under the truck with an extension on an airgun. Of course I had to move the PTO drive shaft out of the way and an engine mount. I tried to do it by hand but couldn't do it and had to use air.

 

[Whistler74]

Oh yeah - that's a fun job...
I managed to get the top bolt off with a couple of extensions - you'll need to take of the transmission skid pan to get far enough back. Tranny dip stick - I think so, but I've tried to put this out of my mind.
Unbolt all the clips that hold the tranny cooler lines and pull them to the drivers side to get them out of the way. Unbolt the cast motor mount bracket as well.

Once you get it unbolted, then you have to get it out. When/if you get it out, then you need to get it back in.

Depending on your feeling about butchering the body, you might consider trimming the inner fender to make room to pull it out the side. I know that if I have to do this again that's what I will do.

As a side note, my rebuild cost about $180 in Vancouver

Good luck!

 

[Joe70]

Thanks for the info. Gotter dun. I ended up cutting a flap to get the starter out. I was having issues getting at the top bolt because I hadn't removed the tranny skid plate. After it was off it took only a couple minutes to remove the bolt. Next time will be easy.

I was quoted $150 for a rebuild here in Calgary but I had one from my parts truck so I just used that for the time being. Hopefully it lasts for a while.