Aghhhh - damn exhaust down pipe wont come off

[ringo]

I need to take off the starter motor and check its knackered (nothing happens when i turn the key - the relay is working fine as far as i can tell).

However, there is no room to get in anywhere. I figure if i take off the downpipe, i will be able to get access to the three bolts to take it off.

However, i cant take the downpipe off.

There are two allen key bolts keeping the exhaust onto the clamp. One i have got off and one has been rounded so badly i cant get it off at all.

The clamp is attached to the engine by one bolt and one allen key. The allen key is located right behind the engine mount so i have had to cut down a allen key to get to it. Unfortunately, that has been rounded off too (not by me).

So, im at a loss. I have no idea how to take the damn thing off. The car wont start and all i really want to do is drive it in the river and forget about it.

Any ideas how i get the exhaust off, or the starter motor off without getting the exhuast off ?

Thanks

Ringo

[richo]

Heat and rung knockles my friend oh and don't forget the swearing.
i find leaving it for a day then go back to it as your brain has had time to sus it out,thats what i do anyway.

[tonycougar]

I agree with the above, but it sounds to me like you haven't done near enough swearing. Try some real profanities then it seems to work.
On a serious note, I have managed to get my starter on and off without taking the down pipe off, it is awkward but possible. I also find it helps if you disconnect the bonnet stay and tie the bonnet up to the roof. That way you can easily work from above.

[electricbluebadger]

get a large stud extractor and screw it into the allen headed socket....should do the trick, especially if you can heat with a blow torch beforehand..should ease things up....... my set of studextractors cost about a fiver and have paid for themselves innumerous times...

Cheers Steve

[littlepow]

Could always just scrap the engine and fit a nice V8!  :D

[piggysteve]

Got exactly the same problem with my starter. You need a 17mm socket with extension and a 17mm spanner. Take the bonnet off and find something to stand on this just gives enough reach. Then it's a fiddly matter of taking off the 3 bolts. One is a nut and bolt, one a stud and one a nut. Did mine in about 3/4 hour last night at the cost of only one knuckle.Just got to get a new starter now.
Good luck.

Steve

[tonycougar]

....find something to stand on this just gives enough reach.
Steve

I just climbed up there and knelt on the engine.

[piggysteve]

I just climbed up there and knelt on the engine.

 :lol: If I did that I think I'd still be stuck there  with me back in the shape of a horseshoe.

Steve

[ringo]

Thanks guys - i will give it a go.

Unfortunately im not able to do it till next week - but i hope i dont get too fed up with it!

Ringo

[piggysteve]

Courier has just left a ticket, hopefully it's my starter. I'll be letting you know how much of a knuckle rapper it is to put back on, then I can get back on the road again.

Steve

[tonycougar]

I just climbed up there and knelt on the engine.

 :lol: If I did that I think I'd still be stuck there  with me back in the shape of a horseshoe.

Steve

 :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

[ringo]

Damn that was hard work.

Anyway, changed the starter motor - started first turn of the key and is now running like a dream.

Phew!

Thanks for your help

Ringo

[chris an the disco]

Snap, glad you got it done ok

Steve