dicer

Me too, I used a hack saw width. That's how to get them back in, in one minute or so compared to the 1 hour each removal.

Returd

I'm just digging into the starter myself. up until now I've been pretty impressed with the build and design of this engine. Those bolts should have been accessible from the opposite side. I'm not keen on having the starter in the engine valley but on top of tha the mounting bolts are the worst.

When I pull the motor from my parts car I'm going to heli coil the bell housing and run the bolts from the opposite side.

dicer

And what engines are you comparing it to?

Returd

most of my engine experience is with Ford Windsor engines

Returd

I managed to get the starter bolts off without removing the coolant crossover bridge. It was far from easy getting the starter out. When I was finally able to get a tool on the two bolts it took a few hours. On the passenger side I was able to use a 1/2" drive ratchet with a 12 point socket. On the driver side I used a swivel head gear wrench that I spent 45 minutes grinding the head down to be able to fit it between the bell housing and bolt.

to initially "break the bolts I heated and bent a 14mm box end and slipped a pipe on it.

I had to walk away from this job out of frustration several times. This is the most awkward job

I've come accross in 15-20 years.

I don't think the starter has ever been out so I had to tease it out with a mallet back and forth for about 30 minutes.

I'll be inspecting the contacts and plunger today

Banshee365

Why not just remove the crossover?

Returd

Mine's a 92 SC400, not an LS. The wiring harness is right on top of the crossover and even after removing wiring to crossover bolts there was very little harness movement. Just removing the crossover would have been epic for a minor access improvement. once I ground down my cheapo gear wrench it was (relatively) easier.

What would have made life better was if I was able to pull the starter back to keeep the bolts from spinning in both directions. Since the starter was close to bonded with the bell housing I was unable to do that. I did find that pulling up on the gear wrench prevented the bolt from spinning back in. This added to the fatigue, coupled with being spread eagled head first into the engine bay made fora not pretty job, but it got done.

My contacts haven't arrived yet so I haven't opened up. I'm not sure how I'll feel if they are in good shape and this was unessessary. Once done I will know for sure and will have piece of mind whatever the outcome..

Banshee365

Ahhhh, didn't know you had an SC. That makes sense. Sometimes you can disassemble the starter while its bolted in the block to change the contacts and plunger.