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327 starter removal tips?
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dogbone View Drop Down
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    Posted: May/02/2022 at 10:00pm
I'm replacing the starter on my 64 770 classic wagon. Finally was a able to get the bolts removed. There's just not a lot of room to work in there.

So the bolts are out and I can't seem to find a way of getting the starter out of the hole. It's a heavy beast and there is a boss cast into the engine block that keeps the starter from moving too far forward. It's going to have to come out at somewhat of an angle. Any tips on what's the best way? Laying on your back working overhead is no fun! 
64 Cross Country Wagon 770, 79 VW Scirocco, 70 Porsche 914-6, 82 Subaru Brat, 1991 Autozam
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gtoman_us View Drop Down
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Points: 3869 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote gtoman_us Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/03/2022 at 6:22am
I hear ya!  Just no room and wait until you have to thread that top bolt back on.

I have done this many time when my Dad used it as his daily driver with multiple starter failures.  

I assume you have the exhaust and the sway bar bracket out of the way.  I found that best way was a reach down from the top pulling the back end of the starter up and it should nose down towards the ground.

If possible dropping the exhaust manifold gives you ample room to maneuver, plus makes getting that top bolt started easier.

Since the driveline is off centered to the right it just makes it so tight
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dogbone View Drop Down
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Points: 702 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dogbone Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/03/2022 at 10:07am
Well, I was hoping to get it done without having to tear much else apart. Really don't want to remove the manifold. I think I can wiggle it out if I could just get the nose out of the bellhousing! That boss on the block is really blocking things up.

The last time I started to tackle this I made a crooked wrench to reach the top nut and it works well. Just not much room to maneuver it.
64 Cross Country Wagon 770, 79 VW Scirocco, 70 Porsche 914-6, 82 Subaru Brat, 1991 Autozam
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SC397 View Drop Down
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Points: 5476 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SC397 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/03/2022 at 10:07am
I heated up a 5/8" wrench and bent it on curve matching the diameter of the starter to be able to get to the top bolt on the front side. I don't remember how I actually got it out of there though.
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Points: 261 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bobsterfl Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/03/2022 at 12:35pm
Do a Google search for "starter wrenches". They are curved to fit around the starter motor. Used to be a common toolbox item.
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dogbone View Drop Down
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Points: 702 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dogbone Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/03/2022 at 2:00pm
yes, that's what those Harbor Freight wrenches are good for, bending making custom tools! I'm going to wiggle on it a little more tonight before going full nuclear on it. Surely I can get the nose out of the bell housing without moving a bunch of other stuff. Just seems like it's hung up inside somewhere.

Edited by dogbone - May/03/2022 at 2:02pm
64 Cross Country Wagon 770, 79 VW Scirocco, 70 Porsche 914-6, 82 Subaru Brat, 1991 Autozam
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Rebel 327X View Drop Down
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Points: 118 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rebel 327X Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/03/2022 at 8:15pm
Originally posted by SC397 SC397 wrote:

I heated up a 5/8" wrench and bent it on curve matching the diameter of the starter to be able to get to the top bolt on the front side. I don't remember how I actually got it out of there though.
Yeh...that wrench is in my toolbox.  Thanks.

There are mini starters available..work great.  I have a spare.  
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dogbone View Drop Down
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Success! Had to do a little prying with a screwdriver but it fell right out when I did. Was able to thread it through the maze of sway bar and transmission lines and get the new one back in place. 

I used a small magnet to hold the nut in my bent wrench, and then a really long extension toward the back to get it started. Worked like a champ. Really wasn't all that bad, but I think my neck is going to sore tomorrow. 

Also discovered I need to replace a lower ball joint on the other side. Should have replaced it when everything was apart a few years ago.




Edited by dogbone - May/03/2022 at 8:27pm
64 Cross Country Wagon 770, 79 VW Scirocco, 70 Porsche 914-6, 82 Subaru Brat, 1991 Autozam
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Points: 19 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 66JeepGladiator Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/23/2022 at 11:53am
I was having the same issue and was lucky to find out my starter was just fine and it was my solenoid. I would hate to have to remove the starter with everything in the way... does not look fun.
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Points: 702 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dogbone Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/23/2022 at 12:00pm
I think my issue ended up being a weak bendix. I had replaced the solenoid before with a used one I had and that didn't solve my problem. There's a local rebuilder and they fixed me up. Sounds different than before and seems to crank over nicely now. 
64 Cross Country Wagon 770, 79 VW Scirocco, 70 Porsche 914-6, 82 Subaru Brat, 1991 Autozam
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