After having now gone through the starter R&R one time, I have learned
that if the air filter box and the AFM (not the throttle body - but AFM)
is removed, both the top retaining bolt and the nut on the bottom
retaining stud can be removed by working above the engine.

Also - all wiring on the solenoid CAN be removed and replaced while
working above the engine.

BUT - ya gotta get under the van to get the starter out. SO - if you
must get under the van to get the starter out of the housing and out
from under the van, you may as well do the wiring from under there as well.

John

John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com

On 6/17/2011 12:38 PM, Steven Johnson wrote:
> Me neither ( the T- body removal) .  Just lot's of clever contortionist arm
> movement with
> even more spectacular finger dexterity to get the top bolt and washer in
> place and started...
>
> On Fri, Jun 17, 2011 at 4:27 AM, Chris S<szpejankowski@gmail.com>  wrote:
>
>> I have never had to remove the throttle body to remove the top starter
>> bolt. It's a bit tricky to access, but never had to.
>>
>> Chris.
>>
>> Wysłane z iPhone'a
>>
>> Dnia Jun 17, 2011 o godz. 1:51 Scott Daniel - Turbovans<
>> scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>  napisał(a):
>>
>>> disconnect the battery.
>>> don't wear any jewlery working on a car.
>>>
>>> remove the air filter, then the throttle body to get at the top start nut
>> on
>>> the engine side.
>