Suggestions for removing old starter on 360 FE?

[thefordguy]

Hi, I recall a few years ago trying to remove a starter on a 360 block, and I couldn't get access to the top bolt. I've heard that there is a method some guys have found that allows that bolt to be removed - with an extender on the socket set? The starter on my '72 highboy is on its last legs, so I'm gonna have to finally to this. Any help on this is appreciated.

[Ranchero50]

Stack a bunch of extensions together and go from the front of the engine. Just leave the bottom bolt in until you get the top on out so you aren't fighting the weight of the starter.

[thefordguy]

thank! i'll go give it a shot.

[1970 Hi-Boy]

A half moon wrench ( 1/2"x9/16" box end) will do the trick as well if ya can get your hands on one, I've had one for years now just to deal with various Ford starters.

[tmcalavy]

Ditto...good socket, at least two extensions and a six-point 1/2 socket. Now crawl under there and get to cussin'.

[Kurt Combs]

I pulled the starter on my 360 a year or two back and was surprised that the PO hadn't put it back in when replacing the starter. Then I discovered that the top bolt had be broken off in the hole. I put it back with two and it worked just fine.

[1972hiboy]

I acually keep a special socket/extension tool in my truck for just an occasion. its roughly ten inches long with a swivel 1/2in socket. I put a extension on it and slip it in from the front of the engine between the engine block and motor mount striaght shot to the top bolt. bolts like a dream every time.

[thefordguy]

I got the new starter and in and it works great. what made this particularly difficult is that with the highboy, I had to crawl into the engine compartment and squat on top of the engine. I"m 6' tall so its not an ez task. very tiring!

[BobbyFord]

The trick is a 6", 3/8" drive extension, 1/2" flex socket and an air ratchet.

[70-360fe]

I use 2 long extensions about 1.5 feet all together. There is a small opening you can snake thur to get at the bolt. You can get at it from the top with a coulpe of long extensions.

[MadJoe]

Stack a bunch of extensions together and go from the front of the engine. Just leave the bottom bolt in until you get the top on out so you aren't fighting the weight of the starter.

This just worked for me perfectly. It actually took me less than an hour to get the old one out, wash my hands (it was really filthy), and put the new one in because I knew to have a 1/2 socket on a bunch of extensions for the top bolt. Actually, the top one was the easiest to remove, and only slightly harder to install than the other 2 because of this advice. Thanks!

On a side note, it seems I have a bit more of an oil leak than I originally suspected.