I have to replace the starter on my 1999 Range Rover 4.6 and am having a very difficult time removing the bolts that hold the starter in place and the bolt that connects the wire from the battery. Any suggestions on something to use to assist in getting the bolts out? And does anyone have any tips on how to guide the hex socket and extensions to the top bolt? The procedure in Rave is pretty vague and I have large hands so I'm having a hard time getting a hand in there to help guide it in by feel. Would removing the heat shield from the header give me any extra room to work? Thanks!

 

use a few extensions and break the bolts free and then get them out, not much as far as trick, its two bolts just stuck in the car.

 

I get the using extensions principle, I was just looking to see if there was any good advice to guiding said extensions to the upper bolt and if anyone has any suggestions for 'liquid wrench' type products. I got one called freeze off, but all it has done so far is sting when it gets in cuts on my hand.

 

Enough extensions so the handle is in front of the front diff is a good idea.
Make sure the allen sockets are free of grunge so the allen drive seats fully.
18" breaker bar.
Righty tighty, lefty loosey.

 

PB Blaster is the type of penetrating oil you want to use. Liquid wrench and all that other stuff is for home owner use.

 

Good deal. Thanks gentlemen. I'll do battle with that top bolt tonight. After lots of swearing and straining I managed to get the lower bolt out, it literally made a snapping sound when it finally broke free, at first I thought I snapped the bolt off. Fortunately it came out intact. I'll invest in some of that PB Blaster stuff tonight... and I'll try and remember which way loosens the bolt.

 

Had to take mine off today, plus hunt one up in the salvage yard and take it off. A stripped out 8mm "allen" bolt (female hex) can be removed with a T47 or T50 TORX, instead of an easy out. Damn glad I have my front propshaft out to rebuild.....

On the plus side, the salvage unit was a rebuilt one, and starts up much faster than old one (which had solenoid problems when warmed up).