71 Positive battery cable install

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Old Feb 7, 2023 | 06:25 PM
  #1  
Devjas's Avatar
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71 Positive battery cable install

Need Help as I want to replace the + battery cable and I find it very hard to get to the back of the engine block to un-bolt.
Is there an easy way to get at it and please note that my car also has headers…
Thanks
Old Feb 8, 2023 | 07:22 AM
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You have to drop the starter to access the positive battery cable where it attaches to the starter.
Old Feb 8, 2023 | 09:42 AM
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I got lucky when I did mine. My 9 year old son wanted to help. His small hands fit in the area and I didn't have to drop the starter.
Old Feb 8, 2023 | 10:47 AM
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Originally Posted by lshlsh2
I got lucky when I did mine. My 9 year old son wanted to help. His small hands fit in the area and I didn't have to drop the starter.
On my 67 Delta, there's actually room to reach the nut with the starter on the motor, due to the driver side exhaust manifold that runs up and over the steering box. On an A-body, not so much.
Old Feb 8, 2023 | 11:17 AM
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That OEM starter must weight ~20lbs. Once you remove the starter you'll hate yourself if you don't have something already in place to hold the starter while you remove the cable. Use a small floor jack, small jack stand, wood or something to rest the starter on while you remove the cable.
Old Feb 8, 2023 | 11:45 AM
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Originally Posted by Vintage Chief
That OEM starter must weight ~20lbs. Once you remove the starter you'll hate yourself if you don't have something already in place to hold the starter while you remove the cable. Use a small floor jack, small jack stand, wood or something to rest the starter on while you remove the cable.
On my car the headers trap the starter between the inside tube and the oil pan. But yeah, with no headers be prepared to support that chunk of iron with something.
Old Feb 8, 2023 | 12:20 PM
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Thanks for your responses.... Now first to find strong person with tiny hands...Second pull down the starter....
Hoist up tonight to start planning.....
Old Feb 8, 2023 | 01:09 PM
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The OEM starter FEELS like it weighs about 800 lbs after you've been holding it up with one hand trying to get the bolts started. Whenever I have to drop the starter, I ALWAYS install (or at least check) brushes, starter drive, and solenoid.
Old Feb 9, 2023 | 06:49 AM
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I found a 3 gal plastic bucket upside down works about right height. I also splice the small wires and put push together connectors, and make it easier to take off and install.
Old Feb 9, 2023 | 01:26 PM
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Originally Posted by 442Harv
I found a 3 gal plastic bucket upside down works about right height. I also splice the small wires and put push together connectors, and make it easier to take off and install.
I use the Moroso starter harness that comes with the connector. It clips to the solenoid and helps keep the wires away from headers.



Old Feb 9, 2023 | 02:32 PM
  #11  
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Try a long extension with socket inserted from the front of the car between the block and engine crossmember to get to that nut.
Old Feb 10, 2023 | 06:11 AM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by Devjas
Thanks for your responses.... Now first to find strong person with tiny hands...Second pull down the starter....
Hoist up tonight to start planning.....
First to disconnect the cable from the battery, you don't want any sparks...
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