Prepping the starter for installation

[farmallmta]

That top bolt of the FE starter is a bit of a pain to get started. Here's what I do to make it easier.

1) Assemble a 1/2" socket on a 3/8" drive 5" long extension.
2) Put the top bolt into the hole.
3) Fit the socket and extension on the bolt and let it rest on top of the starter
4) lay a 3" long piece of duct tape 1" wide--sticky side up!-- across the top of the extension right behind the socket

FE Starter 1st Tape.jpg

5) Lay a second piece of duct tape 6" long and 1" wide--sticky side down this time!-- over the first piece of tape and press the sticky ends down over the starter body. Now you've made a retaining strap to keep the bolt and extension in place while you lift and fit the starter into the bellhousing plate

FE Starter 2nd Tape.jpg

6) Add a short extension to the 5" extension and lift the starter to the hole. You can see the bolt easily to get it started and thread into the bellhousing. The setup keeps the bolt and socket/extensions in place yet allows easy turning with your fingers. After finger-tightening release the tape and proceed with the other 2 starter bolts. Don't forget to adequately tighten all three bolts. The tape comes off easily.

FE Starter Prepped.jpg

[tnlprt]

Heck all i do

is take every 3/8 extension I have using the shorter ones closer to the bolt and stick them all together

It allows about 2 inches of droop if needed

Run them down along side the block and have the ratchet up by the radiator

Takes no time to remove or install the bolts

I should add I have long tube headers

[sargentrs]

Thanks farmallmta! I don't have an FE but I think I can use that philosophy in a number of other applications.

[Ron_Hall]

Great idea!
years ago when I had the long tube headers on I bought one of these and it work very good!

Ron