Thank you and a thank you also to Chris G for his post.  I went right out
and checked the situation with a flashlight.  Just as you described.  Is it
possible to get to the 17 mm nut w/o having to remove the throttle?
Clearances look close, but it appears possible with much of care.  Hopefully
there will be daylight tomorrow evening as this afternoon it was dark with
much needed rain on its way.

John
----- Original Message -----
From: t <vbob@primenet.com>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, July 23, 2000 9:22 PM
Subject: Re: Starter removal

> 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