What am I doing wrong?

[Dr_Snooz]

I'm trying to get my starter back in the truck and there is just a little too much swearing going on. It fits very tightly into a hole between the block, exhaust manifold, front crossmember and exhaust pipe. The wires are positioned on the top of the starter, well protected from all harm...and my hands. I'm laboring under the impression that I'm somehow supposed to hold this 30 lb. dead weight in midair while simultaneously holding two short and stiff wires in perfect position while threading nuts on to hold them down.

Obviously, I'm doing something wrong, but I'm not sure what. This starter and me are going to have a serious Come to Jesus Meeting shortly and I won't be having this problem again. I'm thinking longer wires and maybe some external connections that can be disconnected before removing the mounting bolts, but I'm open to better ideas. What are you guys doing to make this simple replacement somewhat less infuriating?

[fitz]

Try installing the wires after the starter is bolted into place.

[FlatBlack77]

you may have to bolt the starter in place then get the wires on from the top then go back under the truck and tighten them down

[zieg85]

usually I rest the starter on the y-pipe, hook the wires up then bolt it in place

[thirsty]

This

usually I rest the starter on the y-pipe, hook the wires up then bolt it in place

If your wires are clipped to the block to secure them you might have to remove the clip to make them reach properly to connect. Then install the starter and re-secure the clip.

[Dr_Snooz]

I got it.

With the starter bolted in place, there is no access to the wire connections. Short of removing the exhaust manifold, there is no getting to them. To make matters worse, the wires are so short, I can't connect them without holding the starter very nearly in position.

To fix it, I added a length of wire to the ignition wire with a spade terminal in the middle. That way, I can connect it with the starter sitting on the ground without farting around with a little wrench. For the positive battery wire, I just disconnected it, threw away one of the keepers and fed it down so it would reach the starter on the ground. Once installed, I routed the positive wire somewhat differently to make it easier next time.

I've fished plenty of Honda starters and alternators out from under rats' nests of vacuum lines and coolant hoses. I've snaked wrenches around blocks, under manifolds and slowly unwound mounting bolts but this one had me stumped.

Thanks everyone.

[LTZ C20]

Welcome to starters on chevy small blocks lol

[Irish_Alley]

i always hook my wires up before the starter goes in. its a pain but its the only way i have done it

[Dr_Snooz]

Welcome to starters on chevy small blocks lol

Big block, but yeah. Car makers all have their quirks and sometimes a relatively simple thing can be amazingly difficult when engineered poorly. Among those in the know, there might be some special tool, or a quick hack to make it easier. I just wanted to make sure you guys didn't know something I don't.

I was surprised again by how difficult the distributor retaining bolt is to access and torque. It's a frustrating form of keyhole surgery on this TBI. I think I'll be adding a crowfoot socket to my toolbox for the next time I have to do that.

...come to think of it, there is a single crowfoot socket among the tools Dad left when he passed away. I'll bet it was specifically for that task. I'll have to go find it and see. LOL

Thanks for all the help gentlemen.

[LTZ C20]

Big Blocks same story haha. And yes on the distributor bolt also, wait till you have a performance intake, some are worse than others. Like you said, every one has there little quirks.

I have a few of those crow foot tools and even made one out of a regular box wrench one time.

Your welcome.

[timthescarrd]

Did you use a weather-proof spade terminal or wrap it in some electrical tape? otherwise it could short to the block

[Dr_Snooz]

I wrapped it. I'm more expecting it to hit the exhaust manifold and melt. LOL. Time will tell.