I am trying to remove the starter on my 1987 Pontiac 6000 and I can only find the bolt for the bracket bracing the rear of the starter and the bottom of my motor is covered in grit and grime, can you tell me if there is more holding the starter in place I have never seen a setup like this. it's a FWD automatic not sure on the engine size but have a VIN number if you know which digit is the engine code.

3.1L Engines - 1998-93 VEHICLES
(see Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8)

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. If necessary for access to the alternator, remove the air cleaner assembly.
3. Remove the serpentine belt
4. Label and detach the electrical connector(s) from the back of the alternator.

Fig. 5: After removing the serpentine belt, detach the electrical connector from the rear of the alternator

1. Remove the rear and front attaching bolts, and unfasten the brace-to-alternator bolt.

Fig. 6: Unfasten the front and rear mounting bolts...

Fig. 7: ... then remove the brace-to-alternator bolt

1. Carefully remove the alternator assembly, making sure all wires are disconnected.
   

If the alternator brace is removed, the studs must be retightened before installation or damage to the brace may result.

Fig. 8: Alternator (generator) removal and installation - 1992 3.1L engine shown (click image for zoom)

To install:

1. Position the alternator into the mounting bracket.
2. If necessary, attach the battery positive lead and nut to the alternator output terminal. Tighten to 71 inch lbs. (8 Nm).
3. Install the brace-to-alternator bolt, but do not tighten at this time.
4. Install the front and rear mounting bolts. Tighten the bolts as follows:
   1. Long bolt to 35 ft. lbs. (47 Nm)
   2. Short bolt to 18 ft. lbs. (25 Nm)
   3. Bracket bolt to 18 ft. lbs. (25 Nm)
5. Check that tightening of the brace bolts did not bind the alternator.
6. Attach the electrical connector(s).
7. Install the serpentine belt
8. If removed, install the air cleaner.
9. Connect the negative battery cable.

Hope helps (remember to rate this answer).

It is bolted to the transmission bell housing.

Exploded view of the starter - 5.2L and 5.9L model shown


These are the steps invovlved in replacing the starter.

1. Disconnect the battery ground.
2. Raise and support the vehicle on jackstands.
3. On 1989-91 models equipped with a 2.5L engine, it is necessary to remove the exhaust clamp and bracket, and the transmission brace rod before removing the starter.
4. Remove all wires from the starter and tag them for installation. NOTE: It may be easier to remove the solenoid wires after lowering the starter. Support the starter before removing the wires. DO NOT LET THE STARTER HANG BY THE WIRES.
   
5. On 4.0L, 5.2L and 5.9L engines, it may be necessary to remove the oil cooler line bracket and the exhaust brace.
6. Remove all but one attaching bolt, support the starter (it's heavier than it looks) and remove the last bolt.
7. Lower the starter from the engine.
8. If installing the original starter, inspect the pinion gear for damage or excessive wear.
9. Inspect the flywheel gear teeth for damage through the starter mounting hole.
10. Install the starter in the engine and hand-tighten the retaining bolts.
11. Engage any electrical connections that were removed from the starter.
12. Tighten the retaining bolts and engage any cooler lines, braces and brackets that were removed. Lower the vehicle.
13. Connect the negative battery cable and check for proper starter operation.

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
Except 2.3L and 2.4L Engines

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
   
2. Raise and safely support the vehicle. Disconnect the electrical wiring from
   the starter, if accessible.
   
3. If necessary for access, unfasten the three dust cover bolts, then pull the
   dust cover back to get to the front starter bolt. Remove the front starter bolt.
   
   
4. Remove the rear support bracket.
   
5. Pull the rear dust cover back (if applicable) to gain access to the rear
   starter bolt and remove the rear bolt.
   
6. Note the number and location of any shims.
   
7. Push the dust cover back into place (if removed), then lower the starter
   (disconnect any wiring if previously inaccessible) from the vehicle.
   To install:
   
   
8. Position the starter in the vehicle, connect the wiring, then install the
   rear starter bolt.
   
9. Install the front starter bolt, then tighten both bolts to 32 ft. lbs. (43
   Nm)
   
10. If removed, install the dust cover and the rear support bracket.
    
11. Connect the electrical wiring to the starter, if not already attached.
    
12. Carefully lower the vehicle, then connect the negative battery cable.
    
    
    
    
    Fig. 1: Once the vehicle is raised and safely supported, you
    will be able to see the starter motor
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Fig. 2: After disconnecting the wiring, remove the starter
    mounting bolts
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Fig. 3: When removing the starter, be sure to note the number
    and location of any shims
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Fig. 4: View of the starter mounting - 3.1L and 3.3L engines
    
    

2.3L Engine
1988-89 (VIN D)

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
   
2. Remove the air cleaner to throttle body duct.
   
3. Label and detach the TPS, IAC and MAP sensor connectors.
   
4. Remove vacuum harness assembly and the MAP sensor vacuum hose from intake
   manifold, then position aside.
   
5. Unfasten the cooling fan shroud attaching bolts, then remove the shroud
   (including the MAP sensor).
   
6. Remove the coolant fan-to-upper radiator support bolt, then unfasten the
   remaining upper radiator support bolt and the upper radiator support.
   
7. Detach the connector from the cooling fan.
   NOTE: Because of the low clearance, be very careful not to
   damage the TPS lock tang with the fan bracket.
   
   
8. Lift the fan assembly out of the two lower insulators. Rotate the bracket so
   the two lower bracket legs point upward. Move the fan assembly toward the left
   (drivers) side until the fan blade overlaps the radiator tank-to-core seam about
   1 inch (25mm). Lift the fan assembly from the engine compartment.
   
9. Remove the harness retaining clip from the engine mount bracket stud.
   Unfasten the starter mounting bolts.
   
10. Tilt the rear of starter towards the radiator, pull the starter out, then
    rotate solenoid towards the radiator to gain access to the electrical
    connections.
    NOTE: Be careful not to damage the crank sensor mounted
    directly to the rear of the starter. If it gets damaged, it must be replaced.
    
    
    
11. Detach the electrical connectors from the solenoid.
    
12. Move the starter toward the driver's side of the vehicle, then lift it from
    the vehicle.
    To install:
    
    
13. Insert the starter between the throttle body and the air cleaner housing,
    then move it toward the right (passenger) side.
    
14. Attach the solenoid electrical connectors. Make sure to properly position
    the plastic guard over the stud and nut for the battery cable.
    
15. Rotate the starter into the proper position, install any shims that were
    removed and secure using the mounting bolt. Tighten the bolts to 74 ft. lbs.
    (100 Nm).
    
16. With the fan's bracket two lower legs facing upward, place the fan assembly
    between the throttle body and the radiator while overlapping the radiator
    tank-to-core seam with the fan blade by about 1 inch (25mm). Be careful not to
    damage the lock tang on the TPS.
    
17. Rotate the fan bracket, then place the two lower legs into the insulators.
    
18. Attach the electrical connector to the cooling fan.
    
19. Install the upper radiator support and the coolant fan should, then install
    the fan-to-upper radiator support mounting bolt.
    
20. Connect the MAP vacuum hose and the vacuum harness assembly to the intake
    manifold.
    
21. Attach the TPS, IAC and MAP sensor connectors.
    
22. Install the air cleaner to throttle body duct.
    
23. Connect the negative battery cable, then check for proper starter operation.
    

1990-95 (VIN D), 1989-94 (VIN A), 1992-94 (VIN 3)

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
   
2. If necessary for access, remove the air induction tube.
   
3. Detach the coolant fan electrical connector, then remove the fan assembly.
   
4. Remove the oil filter, if necessary for access to the starter.
   
5. For vehicles through 1990, remove the intake manifold brace.
   
6. Remove the mounting bolts; some engines may have 3 starter mounting bolts.
   Pull the starter out of the hole and move toward the front or passenger side of
   the vehicle.
   
7. Disconnect the wiring from the solenoid.
   
   
   
   
   Fig. 5: Starter mounting for 2.3L engine - 1990-95 models
   
   
   
8. Remove the starter by lifting it between the intake manifold and the
   radiator.
   To install:
   
   
9. Lower the starter between the intake manifold and the radiator, then connect
   the wiring to the solenoid.
   
10. Rotate the starter into installation position and install the mounting
    bolts. For vehicles through 1994, tighten to 74 ft. lbs. (100 Nm). For 1995
    vehicles, tighten the bolts to 32 ft. lbs. (43 Nm).
    
11. If equipped, install the intake manifold brace and oil filter, if removed.
    
12. Install the cooling fan assembly, then attach the electrical connector.
    
13. If removed, install the air induction tube.
    
14. Connect the negative battery cable and check the starter for proper
    operation.

2.4L Engine

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
   
2. Remove the air inlet duct attached to the throttle body.
   
3. Remove the top starter bolt.
   
4. Raise and safely support the front of the vehicle securely on jackstands.
   
5. Remove the lower starter bolt.
   
6. Position the engine wiring harness aside.
   
7. Position the starter for access to solenoid wiring.
   
8. Remove the wiring attached to the starter.
   
9. Carefully lower the starter.
   To install:
   
   
10. Attach the wiring to the starter and position the assembly into place.
    
11. Install the lower starter bolt.
    
12. Reposition the wiring.
    
13. Lower the vehicle and install the upper starter bolt. Tighten the bolts to
    66 ft. lbs. (90 Nm).
    
14. Attach the air inlet duct to the throttle body.
    
15. Connect the negative battery cable.

1995-97 4.3L MODELS and 1995-99 2.2L models



Fig. 5: The starter motor on later model 4.3L engines is retained by two long bolts

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise and support the front of the truck safely using jackstands.
3. If necessary for access, disconnect the front exhaust pipe.
4. If equipped, remove the starter heat shield.
5. On the 2.2L engine, remove the brace rod from the front of the engine and the bell housing.
6. On 2.2L engines, remove the drivers side wheel to access the starter motor wires and the starter motor attaching bracket-to-engine bolt through the opening in the wheel well.
7. Disengage the wires from the starter solenoid.
8. On the 2.2L engine, remove the attaching bracket-to-engine mount bolt.
9. Remove the starter-to-engine block bolts. When removing the last bolt, be sure to support the starter to keep it from falling and possibly injuring you.
10. Carefully lower the starter and shims (if equipped) from the vehicle.
11. If necessary, remove the bracket (2.2L engine) or the shield (4.3L engine) from the starter assembly.
    

To install:

1. If removed, install the bracket or shield to the starter, as applicable. Tighten the bracket nuts to 97 inch lbs. (11 Nm) or the shield nuts to 106 inch lbs. (12 Nm).
2. Carefully raise the starter and shims (if equipped) into position in the vehicle and thread one of the retaining bolts to hold it in position.
3. On the 2.2L engine, loosely install the bracket-to-engine mount bolt.
4. Install the remaining starter mounting bolt, then tighten all mounting fasteners to 32 ft. lbs. (43 Nm).
5. Engage the wiring to the solenoid as noted during removal.
6. On the 2.2L engine, install the brace rod and tighten the retainers.
7. If disconnected for access, install the front exhaust pipe and tighten the fasteners.
8. If equipped, install the starter heat shield.
9. On 2.2L engines, install the drivers side wheel.
10. Remove the jackstands and carefully lower the truck.
11. Connect the negative battery cable.

Hope helps.

STARTER REPLACEMENT ( 1995-97 4.3L MODELS )



Fig.: The starter motor on later model 4.3L engines is retained by two long bolts

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise and support the front of the truck safely using jackstands.
3. If necessary for access, disconnect the front exhaust pipe.
4. If equipped, remove the starter heat shield.
5. On the 2.2L engine, remove the brace rod from the front of the engine and the bell housing.
6. On 2.2L engines, remove the drivers side wheel to access the starter motor wires and the starter motor attaching bracket-to-engine bolt through the opening in the wheel well.
7. Disengage the wires from the starter solenoid.
8. On the 2.2L engine, remove the attaching bracket-to-engine mount bolt.
9. Remove the starter-to-engine block bolts. When removing the last bolt, be sure to support the starter to keep it from falling and possibly injuring you.
10. Carefully lower the starter and shims (if equipped) from the vehicle.
11. If necessary, remove the bracket (2.2L engine) or the shield (4.3L engine) from the starter assembly.

To install:

1. If removed, install the bracket or shield to the starter, as applicable. Tighten the bracket nuts to 97 inch lbs. (11 Nm) or the shield nuts to 106 inch lbs. (12 Nm).
2. Carefully raise the starter and shims (if equipped) into position in the vehicle and thread one of the retaining bolts to hold it in position.
3. On the 2.2L engine, loosely install the bracket-to-engine mount bolt.
4. Install the remaining starter mounting bolt, then tighten all mounting fasteners to 32 ft. lbs. (43 Nm).
5. Engage the wiring to the solenoid as noted during removal.
6. On the 2.2L engine, install the brace rod and tighten the retainers.
7. If disconnected for access, install the front exhaust pipe and tighten the fasteners.
8. If equipped, install the starter heat shield.
9. On 2.2L engines, install the drivers side wheel.
10. Remove the jackstands and carefully lower the truck.
11. Connect the negative battery cable.

Hope this help (remember rated this help) Good luck.

The starter install is fairly simple and will require a 13mm socket and a long extension. First get the car securely on jack stands or ramps so your have access to the bottom of the car and engine.  lying on your back with your head towards the rear of the vehicle (approximately center of the car) you can look up past the exhaust pipe and CV axles and see the starter from there.
 
First remove the main wire that comes from the battery (13mm nut and lock washer)  then unplug the two wires that are on separate sides of the lug you just remove (noting the wire colors and which side you removed them from).  
Next remove the 13mm bolt that holds the bracket attached to the rear of the starter. It's the one bolted the to the engine block that is attached to the passenger side of the starter.
Lastly you will find 3, 13mm bolts that actually bolt the starter through the engine bell housing into the transmission.  
There is one on the very bottom, one in the center (kinda towards the rear of the vehicle only about 3 1/2" upward of the bottom bolt) and one at the very top directly opposite the bottom bolt ( this one is the hardest to locate and remove but it's up there, you just have to feel around or get a light to shine on the top of the starter to see it)  
After all bolts are removed you navigate the starter out by pulling it towards the passenger side wheel and between the CV axles and suspension parts of the front end.
To reinstall it's the opposite of this procedure!
Hope this Helps!!

The starter is mounted on the driver's side bottom of the engine.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
   
2. Raise the vehicle and support it safely with jackstands.
   

Starter mounting-1986-89 RX-7

1. Disconnect the heavy battery cable from the terminal marked B on the starter solenoid (or magnetic switch on later models).
   
2. Disconnect the thinner ignition switch wire from the terminal marked S on the solenoid/magnetic switch.
   
3. On vehicles with automatic transmissions, remove the front starter motor bracket bolts and the bracket. Remove the two starter attaching bolts and remove the starter.
   

To install:

1. Support the starter by and hand and position it onto the flywheel housing. Install the two mounting bolts. On 1986-89 RX-7s, torque the bolts to 24-33 ft. lbs. (33-45 Nm). Install the front starter bracket, if removed.
   
2. Connect the starter wiring to the appropriate solenoid or switch terminals. On 1986-89 models, torque the B terminal (battery cable) nut to 8 ft. lbs. (11 Nm).
   
3. Lower the vehicle.
   
4. Connect the negative battery cable.
   

e
Removal & Installation
2-Wheel Drive - 2.2L Engine

1. Remove or disconnect the following:
   Negative battery cable Front exhaust pipe, if necessary for access Starter heat shield, if equipped Brace rod from the front of the engine and the bell housing Drivers side wheel to access the starter motor wires and the starter motor attaching bracket-to-engine bolt through the opening in the wheel well Wires from the starter solenoid Attaching bracket-to-engine mount bolt Starter-to-engine block bolts. When removing the last bolt, be sure to support the starter to keep it from falling and possibly injuring you. Starter and shims (if equipped) from the vehicle Bracket from the starter assembly, if equipped
   
   
   
   Fig. Starter motor and related components - 2.2L engine
   
   

To install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   Bracket to the starter, if removed. Tighten the bracket nuts to 97 inch lbs. (11 Nm). Starter and shims (if equipped) into position in the vehicle and thread one of the retaining bolts to hold it in position. Bracket-to-engine mount bolt (loosely), if equipped Starter mounting bolt, then tighten all mounting fasteners to 32 ft. lbs. (43 Nm) Wiring to the solenoid Brace rod and tighten the retainers Front exhaust pipe and tighten the fasteners, if removed Starter heat shield, if equipped Driver-s side wheel, if removed Negative battery cable

Hope helped with this (remember rated this help) Good luck.

For removal & installation...

1. Disconnect the battery ground.
2. Raise and support the vehicle on jackstands.
3. On 1989-91 models equipped with a 2.5L engine, it is necessary to remove the exhaust clamp and bracket, and the transmission brace rod before removing the starter.

1. Remove all wires from the starter and tag them for installation.

It may be easier to remove the solenoid wires after lowering the starter. Support the starter before removing the wires. DO NOT LET THE STARTER HANG BY THE WIRES.

1. On 4.0L, 5.2L and 5.9L engines, it may be necessary to remove the oil cooler line bracket and the exhaust brace.
2. Remove all but one attaching bolt, support the starter (it's heavier than it looks) and remove the last bolt.

1. Lower the starter from the engine.
2. If installing the original starter, inspect the pinion gear for damage or excessive wear.
3. Inspect the flywheel gear teeth for damage through the starter mounting hole.

To install:

1. Install the starter in the engine and hand-tighten the retaining bolts.
2. Engage any electrical connections that were removed from the starter.
3. Tighten the retaining bolts and engage any cooler lines, braces and brackets that were removed. Lower the vehicle.
4. Connect the negative battery cable and check for proper starter operation.

Also, here you can review the Jeep Cherokee Service Manual

Hope helped with this (remember rates this help) Good luck.

Have you tried using a long extension? I pretty sure that is the only way to reach the bottom bolt.