I can see the damn bolt but..

[woodr004]

How do you get the top bolt off the starter motor? I can see it but don't have a wrench long enough to reach it and there is no room to get a ratchet and socket on it. Talk about a pain in the rear end.
1995 Ford Explorer stock
Pat

 

[swshawaii]

aka- Starter wrench. Disconnect the battery FIRST. GL
https://www.google.com/search?q=sta...a=X&ei=Wmi2UdTdOKiAiwKo1IDYBA&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ

 

[1996BLKBauer]

Might be able to get at it with a crows foot, but might round it off if it is really on there.

 

[imp]

Not sure on Explorer, but on 5.0 Mustangs, I used a very LONG extension, several put together, placed above the engine mount from way up front, to use a socket on the top starter bolt.

 

[1996BLKBauer]

Not sure on Explorer, but on 5.0 Mustangs, I used a very LONG extension, several put together, placed above the engine mount from way up front, to use a socket on the top starter bolt.

I remember doing that, made me glad that I had a 4 foot long 3/8s extension that I could not fit in my tool box...

 

[delexploder]

I have used a 1/4 in. drive with a deep socket its tight but it will do in a pinch.

 

[Flash]

I've done this a couple of times recently without too much trouble; I was doing the transmission so it was from underneath with the car up on stands.
I used long extensions.

 

[imp]

What works for one, ought to be shared by others! Glad to hear positive talk! imp

 

[Rkferg13]

i just changed mine the other day i just used a 2 inch extension a shallow 1/2 socket and it came off just fine. i have seen everyone *****ing about how hard it is to change these starters but it only took me 20 minutes and that's including testing the old one and buying the new one. but best of luck you just need enough to get the ratchet away from the starter for a little more room

 

[bill06447]

Since the starter was junk anyway, I ended up going through the wheel well with a big chisel and split the starter lug. Bolt came right out once the starter was gone...

Bill

 

[SoNic67]

Awesome When everything else fails, use a bigger hammer!

 

[firepop5]

changed starter on my 96 5.0 last night. used a couple of extensions and a universal to get top bolt. easier than I thought.