Ok, so of the two bolts on the starter, one came out easily, but the longer one that extends to the engine block is proving impossible. I have already tried enough that the head is beginning to tear. Any tips on how to remove this bolt so that I can remove the starter? Thanks.

 

Nevermind, it finally came out.

 

When you put things back together use some anti-seize to make it easier for the next guy, who may be you if the starter fix doesn't take for some reason.

 

I'd recommend getting a new starter bolt, since yours is now more rounded than octagonish. Probably next time, if things start to strip and if the tool fits... use an impact gun. Done deal.

 

if you dont get a new bolt, clean the old one with a wire wheel and polish all of that corrosion off of it. i personally use synthetic grease for assembly over anti seize.

 

Before I perform planned work on the car, I will locate every bolt/nut involved in the process and shoot it with some PB Blaster. I do this anywhere from an hour before I start to a couple days before I do the work. Solves 95% these issues and is well worth it.

 

+1 ^^
Great advice. I tend to use the PB Blaster a couple hours before trying to attempt to remove any bolt/nut. I'm not really sure whether the job is easier because of it or if it is because I have HUGE MUSCLES!! just kidding, its the muscles....

 

Thanks for all the advice.

 

In the future if you have some threads that you can't soak or heat try vibration. Seriously. I have been in bone yards a bunch of times. I can't take a torch in the junk yard and I come across some partially rounded heads. So I take a hammer and depending on the angle possibly a drift. All you are looking to do is to get a thousands of an inch of movement in the threads just to break the rust lose. If you can get any wrench on the head try turning it clockwise and counter clockwise a couple degrees back and forth over and over. You would be surprised how many bolt/nuts come out.

Of course for nut spliters and bolt cutters work where accessable.