The top bolt is the one that helps hold the bell housing to the engine.
There is a 17MM  nut on the engine compartment side right behind the
throttle valve assembly. It is possible to take off the throttle body
and get to the nut while keeping the hex on the otherside imobilized. A
PITA but easier than dropping the engine to get at that Allen Head.

tim o'brien

John Lauterbach wrote:
>
> Are there any good ways to remove the starter from an '84 with 1.9L engine
> and auto transmission.  I have gotten the wires off and the bottom bolt (hex
> head) loose.  Top bolt has an internal hex opening.  I have the attachment
> for my socket set that fits the hex opening.  However, there appears to be
> no reasonable way to get at that bolt.  I have tried the extension rods from
> my socket set, but they put the ratchet in an almost unworkable position.
>
> I have checked archives and have not found the "magic bullet" that I am
> looking for.   I plan to order new starter in the morning, but I need to get
> the old one off ASAP, and I prefer not taking it to my mechanic.
>
> John Lauterbach
> Macon, GA