How do you get a nut onto the starter solenoid? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**WorkinLonghorn** · 05-05-2018, 05:43 PM

Chevy 350 installed in truck. I remember attaching the wire from the ignition switch to the solenoid before I mounted the starter because I was aware of the difficulty getting to that little bugger. Unfortunately I didn't have the foresight to include a lock-washer and the wire has come off. I can't remember how to get this wire secured. My fingers don't fit in there and I don't see how to get that little nut on there (not to mention a lock washer) and get it tight. I can manage to get the wire loop connector on there, just not the nut. Any suggestions? Thanks -BA

geezer#99 · 05-05-2018, 06:40 PM

I use one of these.

https://www.google.com/search?tbm=is...omhuL1svGoTNM:

**jimer1964** · 05-05-2018, 06:48 PM

I have found it's just as easy to remove the starter.

hewittca · 05-05-2018, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimer1964

I have found it's just as easy to remove the starter.

I concur

When I took my starter out to replace it I gave up trying to get that nut off and just removed it after dropping the starter. When installing the new one I forgot to put that wire back on first and it was a royal PITA getting it back on w/ the starter installed. I finally got it on blindly from below, but it really would have been easier to drop the starter again.

**Steeveedee** · 05-05-2018, 08:16 PM

You have to close your eyes and think like The Buddha, seeing with your finger tips.

This is probably why I've had carpal tunnel release surgery on both hands, though.

I've had some luck with tape and a nut driver. Stuff tape in the nut driver, gooey side out, stuff the nut in and stick the washer to the tape. Make sure you stab it right the first time, though, so that the washer doesn't escape. Us guys with big mitts are challenged on this sort of stuff.

**special-K** · 05-05-2018, 09:28 PM

I always remove starter mounting bolts, drop down, then small wires, then large cable to remove. To install I attach large cable, then small wires, then mounting bolts...always no matter what. Standard procedure here. I just did this yesterday morning on my '72

72LB · 05-05-2018, 09:37 PM

As my Dad used to say "Your not holding your mouth right!" Like Jimer said easier to just pull the starter.

Wizo · 05-05-2018, 11:17 PM

You have to close your eyes and think like The Buddha, seeing with your finger tips. i was taught the same thing in aviation school. Its your body and fingers.
Look once at what and where you are about to do what and then look away and or close your eyes. It takes a bit of self training and discipline but it actually works.

stsalvage · 05-05-2018, 11:22 PM

you can always do what ford dose by putting in a remote cyinoid on the fire wallLike this one on my 1969 gmc suburban

**Steeveedee** · 05-05-2018, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wizo

You have to close your eyes and think like The Buddha, seeing with your finger tips. i was taught the same thing in aviation school. Its your body and fingers.
Look once at what and where you are about to do what and then look away and or close your eyes. It takes a bit of self training and discipline but it actually works.

Yeah, buddy!

**WorkinLonghorn** · 05-06-2018, 06:56 PM

OK, thanks guys. Looks like it's gotta come out since my fingers just aren't as nimble as they once were, but I might take a stab with a nut driver with the tape trick and use a swivel connection to try for the right angle.
Currently, I am somewhat embarrassed to say, I have the wire loop connecter on there and have it pulled back with bailing wire looped around the exhaust manifold and up to a clamp (fixed!). Well, when you are out in bumf%$& on a job,you do what you can. -BA

**WorkinLonghorn** · 05-06-2018, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geezer#99

I use one of these.

https://www.google.com/search?tbm=is...omhuL1svGoTNM:

So Geezer, is that a flex nut-driver? Good idea, maybe I'll give it a shot. -BA

05-05-2018, 05:43 PM	#1
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,855	How do you get a nut onto the starter solenoid? Chevy 350 installed in truck. I remember attaching the wire from the ignition switch to the solenoid before I mounted the starter because I was aware of the difficulty getting to that little bugger. Unfortunately I didn't have the foresight to include a lock-washer and the wire has come off. I can't remember how to get this wire secured. My fingers don't fit in there and I don't see how to get that little nut on there (not to mention a lock washer) and get it tight. I can manage to get the wire loop connector on there, just not the nut. Any suggestions? Thanks -BA __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. Best $300 I ever spent.

05-05-2018, 06:40 PM	#2
geezer#99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bowser Posts: 13,514	Re: How do you get a nut onto the starter solenoid? I use one of these. https://www.google.com/search?tbm=is...omhuL1svGoTNM:

05-05-2018, 06:48 PM	#3
jimer1964 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: bowmansville,pa Posts: 1,677	Re: How do you get a nut onto the starter solenoid? I have found it's just as easy to remove the starter.

05-05-2018, 08:16 PM	#5
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,088	Re: How do you get a nut onto the starter solenoid? You have to close your eyes and think like The Buddha, seeing with your finger tips. This is probably why I've had carpal tunnel release surgery on both hands, though. I've had some luck with tape and a nut driver. Stuff tape in the nut driver, gooey side out, stuff the nut in and stick the washer to the tape. Make sure you stab it right the first time, though, so that the washer doesn't escape. Us guys with big mitts are challenged on this sort of stuff. __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

05-05-2018, 09:28 PM	#6
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,863	Re: How do you get a nut onto the starter solenoid? I always remove starter mounting bolts, drop down, then small wires, then large cable to remove. To install I attach large cable, then small wires, then mounting bolts...always no matter what. Standard procedure here. I just did this yesterday morning on my '72 __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

05-05-2018, 09:37 PM	#7
72LB Registered User Join Date: May 2017 Location: Inman/Boiling Springs, SC Posts: 420	Re: How do you get a nut onto the starter solenoid? As my Dad used to say "Your not holding your mouth right!" Like Jimer said easier to just pull the starter.

05-05-2018, 11:17 PM	#8
Wizo Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Tacoma WA Posts: 274	Re: How do you get a nut onto the starter solenoid? You have to close your eyes and think like The Buddha, seeing with your finger tips. i was taught the same thing in aviation school. Its your body and fingers. Look once at what and where you are about to do what and then look away and or close your eyes. It takes a bit of self training and discipline but it actually works. __________________ 1970 3/4 ton long box GMC !968 C10 short stepside (Papa's Old Lorry) 2006 2500 HD Silverado Duramax/Alison

05-05-2018, 11:22 PM	#9
stsalvage Scrapper 1 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Riverside Calif Posts: 1,649	Re: How do you get a nut onto the starter solenoid? you can always do what ford dose by putting in a remote cyinoid on the fire wallLike this one on my 1969 gmc suburban Attached Images

05-06-2018, 06:56 PM	#11
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,855	Re: How do you get a nut onto the starter solenoid? OK, thanks guys. Looks like it's gotta come out since my fingers just aren't as nimble as they once were, but I might take a stab with a nut driver with the tape trick and use a swivel connection to try for the right angle. Currently, I am somewhat embarrassed to say, I have the wire loop connecter on there and have it pulled back with bailing wire looped around the exhaust manifold and up to a clamp (fixed!). Well, when you are out in bumf%$& on a job,you do what you can. -BA __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. Best $300 I ever spent.



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