Went out to my truck this morning, and all I got was a click when i turned the key. So looks like its time for a new starter. I was gonna pull it and go get a new one real quick, But i cant figure out how to get the top bolt out. The truck came with headers and they couldnt be any more in the way.

Anyone else with headers on their 351 know any way to get to it other than taking the headers off?

 

I have the same motor (with headers) in my 77 f250 and I am able to reach the bolt closest to the engine from underneath and the other bolt (closest to the frame) from the top side.

 

Did you check your battery ? Try beating on the end of the starter with a hammer if jumping it doesn't work. If you get it running check the charging system, see if it's putting out anything.

 

What's clicking? Is the solenoid clicking?

 

Gave it a good beat, tried jumping it, and tried a different battery that I knew was good. Same result. And yes the solenoid clicks

 

And the alternator is new, although for some reason my headlights pulse when the engine is running

 

"Jump" the solenoid and see if it starts.

 

Can I jump it from the wire that attaches to the relay? I can't fit jumper cables past the headers

 

I think he is saying jump it right at the solenoid. I usually just use a screwdriver or two to test the solenoid. Just don't use one you like a whole lot, it can melt the end. lol.

I had a 351 and now a 460 and I have no problems getting to the bolts with a standard wrench. i can't get a ratchet on either on, but I can get a wrench. I do not have headers, though.

 

extension and ratchet i thought it was impossible to but it just takes a long time

 

how do you test it with a screwdriver?

 

This is the general technique, I'm using a pry bar instead of a screwdriver on the battery because thats what I had laying around when I walked outside:


And this is the likely consequence for your screwdriver, although this is a cheaper than dirt one I keep in the toolbox for just such a purpose (one of my trucks had a finicky solenoid for a while):

 

Ohhh okay so you just use the screwdrivers to jump the battery positive to the output on the relay? Its kinda hard to see on my phone but that's what it looks like

 

if your going to directly bypass the solenoid use jumper cables. attach to the output side of the solenoid and then other end to the positive of the bat.

 

Too cumbersome. Use jumper cables and youre likely to short them out against the fender. From experience. Just use screwdrivers. They are just as thick and conduct 12 volts just as well as jumper cables, and they will flow more than enough current to start the truck .