Those allen bolts on starter motor !

[stevied]

Starter motor packed up on my 96 4.0 Chimaera - up on ramps in garage and I've got the lower of the 2 8mm allen bolts removed, but can't get the top one out !

Any one got any tips on what tool reaches and has got the leverage to undo it ?

I can get at it with 8mm allen stump in an 8mm socket with extension on socket drive, but can't get enough wiggle to undo it ?

All opinions from experienced starter motor removal experts welcomed !

Thanks, Steve.

[ABBTVR]

Starter motor packed up on my 96 4.0 Chimaera - up on ramps in garage and I've got the lower of the 2 8mm allen bolts removed, but can't get the top one out !

Any one got any tips on what tool reaches and has got the leverage to undo it ?

I can get at it with 8mm allen stump in an 8mm socket with extension on socket drive, but can't get enough wiggle to undo it ?

All opinions from experienced starter motor removal experts welcomed !

Thanks, Steve.

Hi Steve,
Never had to do what you are trying to attempt, but just a thought. Have you tried the little gizmo that looks like Allen key but it has got a “ball” on the end, this ball also has the six sided (hexagon) machined onto it (if that make sense). It enables you to get full contact within the Allen cap whist being able to adjust your angle of attack. You can get them as a standard looking Allen key or I believe a shorter version fitted directly into a socket drive head.
Hope this helps,

Big Al.

[shpub]

Don't bother with a ball end, it will burr the allen bolt. Best thing is a very very good quality make that very good quality socketed allen key for a 3/8 inch socket set on a long extension. Clean out the bolt and then tap the key home. You won't do it with anything else....

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[stevied]

Thanks Steve & Big Al.

The ball end is a no go, as will definitely round allen bolt.

My sockets aren't snap on tools standard, but not bad.
Trip to tool shop tommorrow to see what I can find.
Will update with how I get on - should you wonder ?

PS, Steve (Heath). P130 of your splendid Griff & Chim book states 'undo bolts attaching the unit to the bell housing' - you make it sound too easy old chap !

[Lensey]

Stevied, I used an extra long allen key and put leverage on it by using a ring spanner. Sounds easy I know but took about 1hr to undo that one bolt.

[danny hoffman]

My wedge came with said long allen tool - might be worth investing in one. Starter removal was painless.

[Ballistic Banana]

I used the Allen key that fits in a socket and then added an extension, followed by an elbow and then a short extension to the wrench.
I attacked it from below and was guided in by someone above,once in a gave it a quick sharp wrench which was another to loosen it and then it came out oh so easy.

good luck

BB

[shpub]

PS, Steve (Heath). P130 of your splendid Griff & Chim book states 'undo bolts attaching the unit to the bell housing' - you make it sound too easy old chap !

It was when I did it...

[Cerbnut]

Just think of the fun you'll have getting it back in....

[Ballistic Banana]

Cerbnut said: Just think of the fun you'll have getting it back in....

Excuse me

BB

[stevied]

I have successfully released my starter motor to run free in the wild....

Seriously though, thanks for tips.
Bought an 8mm allen key fitted into a 3/8" socket, and with an extension and a bit of heave-ho said SM is now ready to go to the starter motor doctor in the morning.

Less flex with proper 8mm allen socket than when I used an 8mm allen in an 8mm socket.

Hurrah.