Can anyone tell me what the trick is to get the top bolt off the starter???

 

if you have a swivel socket, try that on a short extension. That bolt has been always been tough to get to. Once it is broke loose, i use 1/4 inch stuff to remove it.

 

Ya thats what im using, im thinking a second swivel might do it, but I'm finding the diameter of the extensions it's just a bit too thick to fit between the frame and manifold... try again in the morning

 

Yea, its kind of difficult, just run it up between the starter and manifold, and just feel around until you are on the bolt, this has been a issue since the mid 90's when the modular 4.6, 5.4, and 6.8's came out.

 

My 5.4 was tough but came out faster than this one... all damn day!