Seeing as I now have all the bits to replace the clutch in my white '73, my thoughts have turned to the logistics of the job itself. It's been a few years since my last V4 engine removal and can't recall how much of a pain the lower starter bolt is to remove. Can it be accessed as is, or does the engine/box need to be lifted slightly to aid removal? I really can't remember!
After removal of the battery connections and disconnection of electrical wires at the solenoid, undo the nuts at the exhaust manifolds so the front silencer is loose. Undo the top nuts at the forward engine mounts. Place a jack and wood block under the engine sump. Slightly raise jack to lift engine off the mounts. This gives a little more room and sight for placing a long socket extension with a universal joint if needed and 9/16" AF socket to undo the bolt underneath the starter motor. Top retainer is a 9/16" nut to a stud in the transmission bell housing. Then you can withdraw the starter motor.
Thanks Woody, that's exactly the info I was after! Other than that I can't recall anything else being too problematic. I have all the seals, a NOS clutch kit and a new clutch arm as well, plus the factory alignment tool, so it should be a pretty straightforward exercise. Should be....
Topic 
Lower starter bolt removal
Posted - 06 Mar 2026 : 13:45:29 
