All -

Haven't posted in awhile here, my 245 just being back on the road and the starter motor was dying. The starter motor was spinning but the gear was failing to extend to turn the flywheel. Sometimes it would start right up and others it would take a few time to engage the starter

After I failed to remove the top bolt of the starter on Thursday, I searched these and found a couple of different ways I could access the top bolt. I ended up using a couple of extensions which made it long enough that I could access the bolt behind the tranny mount. I didn't measure it but it was probably over 24 inches long. I used a 18 mm 6 pt socket and a big 1/2 socket wrench. A 6 pt socket is a must, a 12 pt socket will most likely strip the head of the bolt. I used pb blaster n the bolt. With the extensions and the pb blaster the bolt came off pretty easy. Remember to put threadlocked on the bolts so they don't some loose and cause havoc.

Having all the tools out from yesterday, it took me less than an hours to replace my starter today.

Remember, safety first, I used ramps and a wheel stop to keep the wheel from rolling.