Well my 1980 starter finally died and I worked at pulling out.Bottom nut is easy access,BUT the top nut is tough-being hidden behind solenoid.DO I NEED SOMETHING SPECIAL IN THE WAY OF TRICK WRENCHS??? Some of you more seasoned mechanics-can you please help with suggestions as to what techniques or tools I can buy: I'm Volvo for life.300K and still running strong.THANKS mark

yes it is tough, i am trying to take the tranny out of my 92 240 to do the clutch, I was able to get an 18mm socket on it, (with just a little room to move it) and break it free with a crow bar against the bell housing vs the socket wrench...i'm here trying to figure out how to get the top transmission nut out!

As everybody says, you need a 2-mile long extension. But also, lock your Vise-grips onto the nut (or bolt head) near the solenoid. Otherwise it'll spin 'n spin as you lay under the car working the extension.
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Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)

I have taken mine out several times. A 1/2 inch drive universal socket (18mm if i remember correctly) on the end of 2 foot extension does the trick for me. The closer you keep the extension toward the floorboard of the car, the easier it is.

the first time I removed it, I thought I would never get it off. Finally, it broke loose with a LOUD "CRACK". I thought for sure I broke something, but it was just the bolt giving in to my persuasion.

good luck

I believe the tough one is approached from beneath the car, using a socket and a long extension(or several short ones) with a universal joint on the end.

Thats what I did.

The other I was able to get from the engine compartmrnt using a box end.

Lawrence

>I believe the tough one is approached from beneath the car, using a socket and >a long extension(or several short ones)with a universal joint on the end

This is the ticket. I got mine in and out in a half hour with about 12" of extension and a univeral joint on the socket side. By the way, did you know that a starter from a 1968 140 B18 was a perfect match for my 1982 240 B21F? You can never have too many parts cars!

Bob