65 cuda 273 upper starter bolt

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rkjjeep

rkjjeep

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Still finding stuff to fix on this very nice 65 Barracuda I picked up a couple months ago. I'm sure that's endless - that's why I bought it. Anyway - the upper starter bolt was only finger tight. I tried open and box end wrenches, sockets, universals, etc. What's the trick to get a tool on this to tighten it? It's 11/16 hex. Looks like it would be easy with column out.
 
rkjjeep said:
Still finding stuff to fix on this very nice 65 Barracuda I picked up a couple months ago. I'm sure that's endless - that's why I bought it. Anyway - the upper starter bolt was only finger tight. I tried open and box end wrenches, sockets, universals, etc. What's the trick to get a tool on this to tighten it? It's 11/16 hex. Looks like it would be easy with column out.
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I do not have any experience with this problem but do you have any of the old curved starter box wrenches or are you familiar with them? Just a thought. yeah, I am an "old guy"! :)
 
On my 66 I use about 8" extension, or maybe 6" and a deep well socket, or maybe 8" and a deep well. Something like that to get in front of the starter with the ratchet.
 
Believe they were usually intended for distributor adjustments. But am more used to GM starters. Can see why these would work on Mopar starters.

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The bottom has the stud and nut. The top has a bolt with a 11/16 hex with the proper thread. I was able to get it a few degrees at a time with a box end wrench. Thanks for the suggestions. I have those curved wrenches but no 11/16.
 
That's odd. I've never had a starter nut that was 11/16. Every starter I've ever fooled with on any body style has the stud on the bottom with a 5/8 nut and lock washer, and bolt on top with 5/8 head. Like they say though....never say never! Glad you got it fixed.
 
I ran it in with finger power far enough to be sure it was the right thread. A prev owner must have swapped the bolt out for one with 11/16 hex. I would pull the starter to make sure all is well but it looks difficult on this 273 PS car. Anyway, tight for now.
 
rkjjeep said:
I ran it in with finger power far enough to be sure it was the right thread. A prev owner must have swapped the bolt out for one with 11/16 hex. I would pull the starter to make sure all is well but it looks difficult on this 273 PS car. Anyway, tight for now.
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Are you running the original starter? I love the sound of it, but it's big!! I went with a mini stater about 6 years ago.
 
newmexguy said:
Believe they were usually intended for distributor adjustments. But am more used to GM starters. Can see why these would work on Mopar starters.

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THIS is the correct answer. Get a cheap 5/8 wrench, use a vise, and heat the beans out of it with a propane torch. Put it in the vise, keep heating it, and you should be able to bend the wrench. You may need to encourage it with a hammer I've bent LOTS of wrenches over the years

On the PM starters (magnum) you can get in there with a socket and extension.
 
I also like allen head bolts for tight spaces. You can get the allen bit with the ball on the end and give yourself even more angle to get to it.
 
Real easy on a slant, not so on a small-block. I would be tempted to install a Magnum starter since 1/2 size & weight, and did in my 65 Dart 273. If you are ever stuck on the roadside trying to swap an OE starter, you will see. You must get the steering in just the right place to be able to work that heavy beast past the Pitman arm and exhaust.
 
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