Starter bolt stripped out, now what?

[Mrturner1]

Well I found the squeaking ticking noise finally, member trac209 suggested checking the starter and although the starter is working fine, one of the bolts doesn't even tighten down. The actual engine block looks like somebody dropped it while either removing or replacing it and the starter just broke off and they welded the peice back on the block. I recently had the engine out and noticed this weld job but I just figured it was fine.

Can I get a really small and lightweight starter that would hold in fine with one bolt? Any other ideas on fixing this?

[69chevytrucker]

devcon epoxy and fill it then drill and tap it

[In The Ten Ring]

Originally Posted by Mrturner1

Well I found the squeaking ticking noise finally, member trac209 suggested checking the starter and although the starter is working fine, one of the bolts doesn't even tighten down. The actual engine block looks like somebody dropped it while either removing or replacing it and the starter just broke off and they welded the peice back on the block. I recently had the engine out and noticed this weld job but I just figured it was fine.

Can I get a really small and lightweight starter that would hold in fine with one bolt? Any other ideas on fixing this?

We need pics!

[Chknlyps2]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFYa6sjhh_E

Drill, tap and install a Helicoil, This kit is metric but you see what comes in a small kit. Amazon.com: Helicoil 5546-6 M6 x 1 Metric Coarse...

[midniteblues]

starters had a few differnt bolt patterns over the years.
some blocks were drilled for both staggered and straight pattern starters.
if your block is damaged on the outer bolt hole then i wish you good luck.

if its a inner bolt hole then check your block real good you just might have another bolt hole or you could add one....if not then your choice is either too drill and tap to a larger bolt? or heli coil it....thats if the weld holds up.

drilling and tapping a block really isnt that hard. but drilling and tapping threw the weld will be harder.

[Mrturner1]

Originally Posted by In The Ten Ring

We need pics!

Sorry about that lol

[Mrturner1]

Block is orange, you can see the weld job from this angle

[Grumpy old man]

Wow , that's one ugly weld . Drill it -tap and heli coil it ,but I'd be willing to bet it will snap off before it's done .looks like it was welded with a 110 80 amp flux core welder

[Mrturner1]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Wow , that's one ugly weld . Drill it -tap and heli coil it ,but I'd be willing to bet it will snap off before it's done .looks like it was welded with a 110 80 amp flux core welder

This is the same block that has that crack repair job you saw on my build thread....it's seen its last year that's for sure

[wahl4m]

if you do get it tapped /so the bolt tightens up ???? try to put a front brace on the starter ! it might stiffen things up ?? good luck ! mike

[Jason Banks]

I had a 350 that did that. Part of the block broke off. Had a guy come out and weld in a bunch of new material. Drilled, tapped, used front brace on starter.....a couple thousand miles later the bottom end went out in the engine and I replaced it. Seemed to work fine while I had it.

[Rich69shortfleet]

I agree, helicoil is your friend. A front strap is a requirement at all times.