How to hold starter bolts

[nasdaqsam]

496 HO Mag. When I pulled the starter out there was something holding one of the bolts in the starter hole. I assume it is because that bolt would be darn near impossible to hold in place and get a wrench on due to its location. What ever it was is gone. What was that? Or what can I use to hold that bolt while I install the starter?

 

[Scott Danforth]

should be some knurling on the bolt. couple that with a bit of corrosion and that is what probably was holding the starter bolt initially. I have used a dab of RTV on the bolt to secure bolts until I could get a wrench on it. have also used a dab of grease, a bit of painters tape over the head of the bolt, and in one occasion, a small strip I cut out of a beer can in the hole to hold the bolt

 

[Grub54891]

Most starters have openings along the side that goes toward the flywheel, I slide the bolt up just flush with the threads where it bolts to the block, I put a small zip tie around the bolt just snug enough to hold it in place, but still turn it with my fingers. In some cases I'll tie a string around the starter and hang it from the manifold when it's under there so I can get the bolts started. Wish I had more hands sometimes.

 

[achris]

..... Wish I had more hands sometimes.

And smaller ones. ...

 

[nasdaqsam]

Great advice from all. As soon as the parts get here I will use these to get it back into place. It's going to be a nightmare. Not sure how I am going to hold it in place and thread the bolts one handed all while hanging over the transom off a step ladder with my right arm reaching as far under the engine as it can possibly reach. Fun Fun.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Post a pic. Pretty sure someone will have a crazy idea. I have hung upside down in the bilge in the past

 

[Grub54891]

Great advice from all. As soon as the parts get here I will use these to get it back into place. It's going to be a nightmare. Not sure how I am going to hold it in place and thread the bolts one handed all while hanging over the transom off a step ladder with my right arm reaching as far under the engine as it can possibly reach. Fun Fun.

Tie a string around the starter, feed the string between the manifold and block and pull it in place as close as you can. Then tie it off. It gets you fairly close to where its got to be, and frees up your contortionism.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Alright then, O rings, or rubber bands to retain the bolts

 

[JoLin]

Alright then, O rings, or rubber bands to retain the bolts

What I was going to suggest, too.

 

[NHGuy]

I made my daughter hold up on the starter body for the couple of seconds it took to start the bolt. Then I spent the next hour and a half installing it and the other one!
Start all the bolts then use power tools to run the bolts in if you can fit the tools in there.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... I just use my fingers,....

Put the starter, In-place, figure out howta hold it long enough to start a bolt, 'n slam in the bolt in,....
Usually my other hand, but string, fishin' line or a bungee cord has saved the day,....
Any restriction added to the bolt in the housin', just makes it impossible to twist by fingers,....

Second one is usually atad easier,....