Hi all:

Most of you have managed to change out starters on 240's and the posts here have noted the difficulty in the upper bolt. This is my first starter swap and when I got the 245 up on high supports it did not look too bad. The lower bolt went down easily as most have noted, when I thought I would have it easy with the upper bolt I was WRONG!

I have come from underneath along the trans tunnel using an 18mm 6 pt deep with a universal and extensions. I have tried both 3/8 and 1/2 drives but can not get enough torque to budge the bolt loose.

Then I tried impact sockets/uniersal swival and extensions. I have 15" impact extension which drops down enough next to the auto shifter linkage to allow my 18v 1/2" impact driver (300lbft tq) to fit. I have tried the set up with 3/8 and 1/2 drives (3/8 fits in the narrow access). The sockets are 6 point. So far nothing other than some (minor) wear at the hex bolt edges. I do not want to push it too much in fear of rounding off. I even tried to break it loose by a quick forward rotation and then reverse, without any luck.

Some have posted to use 25"+ of extensions? Do they access the drive end of the extension set up back past the trans sump/filter? It appears that the trans linkage would be in the way.

I have not given up yet on what should be s simple task and need some help how to solve this issue.

Should I take the throtle body off and misc. hoses and put a propane torch to the bolt end on the ear of the starter? I don't know if this would help as the bot and ear are in contact with the cast iron flange from the engine.

Any suggestions? I am FRUSTRATED but not beat yet.

Thanks in advance..

This 245 is the wifemoblile and I've got the usual pressure!