what do i do know - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

gimmy 64 · 12-12-2013, 04:51 PM

broke my motor. was having trouble with my starter--would work fine for a couple of times and then would start grinding. tried 3 different starters, shims --same results. last time I took starter off noticed bolt hole cracked. and know broke. broke the leg off the block that has starter bolt hole. do I need a new block? I have read about trying to weld and doesn't sound good. motor only has about 2000 miles since rebuild. please HELP thanks

storm9c1 · 12-12-2013, 06:24 PM

A starter normally uses 2 holes, but the block is usually drilled for 3 depending on what flexplate/flywheel you use. Which hole is actually damaged?

gimmy 64 · 12-12-2013, 06:39 PM

the one farthest from the block, it has an ear that sticks out away from the block

crossfire84 · 12-12-2013, 06:46 PM

it sounds like your not attaching the front support to the starter and hanging all the weight off the 2 bolts. just my .02.

gimmy 64 · 12-12-2013, 07:57 PM

minni starter

cableguy0 · 12-12-2013, 08:05 PM

A mini starter wont help. Both starter patterns use the outside bolt hole that he broke off. Its probably a done deal as far as the block goes. Welding cast iron is a very specialized thing. Its a tedious and time consuming process and would probably cost more than just getting another block. Call your engine builder and see if they will help you out changing to another block.

**Captainfab** · 12-13-2013, 12:01 AM

A good welder can fix that, but it is much easier with the engine out. I fixed one a few years ago in a '65 Vette. The owner really didn't want to pull the engine back out, so I fixed it in the car. It cost him

Gumby · 12-13-2013, 12:31 AM

Everyone makes it sound like its impossiable, but ive welded cast several time with my cheap flux mig with no problems.

metal is metal

cableguy0 · 12-13-2013, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gumby

Everyone makes it sound like its impossiable, but ive welded cast several time with my cheap flux mig with no problems.

metal is metal

That couldn't be further from the truth. Structural welds in cast iron will not hold with regular welding procedures. Every different form of iron has different characteristics and has to be treated differently especially when being welded. Cast iron should be put in an oven to heat the material before welding. I seriously hope you didn't weld anything made of cast iron that's important or could hurt someone with a flux core welder because it will break.

Gumby · 12-13-2013, 12:55 AM

I can show you my machinest vise I weled back together about 10 times as the cheap thin casting kept breaking when I hosed it down tight. [finally the threads stripped out from use]

Welded my exhaust manifold

Welded a foot back onto a stove

People try n make it sound like its rocket science, but its not. Probably cause they just belive what every their told and never tried it.

franken · 12-13-2013, 01:39 AM

If you're using a manual trans, another option is an old bellhousing that the starter bolts to rather than the block...

burnin oil · 12-13-2013, 08:19 AM

Welding cast = preheat and slow cool. Doing a quality weld is time consuming.

cg285 · 12-13-2013, 09:17 AM

here is another alternative
http://www.classicchevy.com/chevy-en...1955-1957.html

storm9c1 · 12-13-2013, 02:58 PM

No matter what you do, you also need to figure out why you had so many problems in the first place. Is the engine kicking back when cranking? Did you use the correct starter bolts? Are you using cheapo starters?

crazy longhorn · 12-14-2013, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by franken

If you're using a manual trans, another option is an old bellhousing that the starter bolts to rather than the block...

Yes, & it is more fun to drive a stick shift

Longhorn

gvw5400 · 12-14-2013, 10:26 PM

X2, All the best, Dirk

hellbent72 · 12-14-2013, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cg285

here is another alternative
http://www.classicchevy.com/chevy-en...1955-1957.html

Without tearing down the motor to weld it right this looks like a great long term solution. Even more so since the motor doesn't need to be rebuilt

franken · 12-14-2013, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazy longhorn

Yes, & it is more fun to drive a stick shift

Longhorn

Exactly. Life is also too short to drive things with four wheels and less than eight cylinders.

franken · 12-14-2013, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cg285

here is another alternative
http://www.classicchevy.com/chevy-en...1955-1957.html

Heh, I think that simulates the BH I was babbling about. The starters mount w/ 3 horizontal bolts. The BH's are weak in that one bolt hole breaks, but it still works w/ the two left.

The repro stamped sheet plate and cover are available w/ a bit of searching. It seems early Vettes used a similar setup. Sadly, I have two vehicles using this BH+starter (that it doesn't belong in) so I know more than I want to about it.

Someday, I'll learn not to buy cobbled together crap that needs everything, but seems cheap at the time...

crazy longhorn · 12-14-2013, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by franken

Exactly. Life is also too short to drive things with four wheels and less than eight cylinders.

56 yrs young.....still burnin rubber.....growing old is mandatory...growing up....hell, that optional

The wifey asked me 1 time, if I would ever grow up....my reply? If it means THAT I WILL DO , what you want, & not have fun....HELL NO, I do not want to grow up! Longhorn

chevychase · 12-28-2013, 12:22 AM

Any updates?

gimmy 64 · 12-28-2013, 08:02 PM

yep bought a 260 hp gm new motor from jegs. ebay special for $ 1207. anybody want a good 350 with a broke starter mount?

12-12-2013, 04:51 PM	#1
gimmy 64 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: menifee california Posts: 788	what do i do know broke my motor. was having trouble with my starter--would work fine for a couple of times and then would start grinding. tried 3 different starters, shims --same results. last time I took starter off noticed bolt hole cracked. and know broke. broke the leg off the block that has starter bolt hole. do I need a new block? I have read about trying to weld and doesn't sound good. motor only has about 2000 miles since rebuild. please HELP thanks

12-12-2013, 06:24 PM	#2
storm9c1 * That's interesting * Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,772	Re: what do i do know A starter normally uses 2 holes, but the block is usually drilled for 3 depending on what flexplate/flywheel you use. Which hole is actually damaged? __________________ Tom Chevy by day... 1969 Chevy C30 Rollback Tow Truck -- 383 stroker, 4L80E 2011 Chevy Caprice PPV 9C3 6.0L 1995 Chevy Caprice 9C1 1994 Chevy Caprice 9C1 #3 1995 Chevy Caprice Wagon #2 1995 Chevy Impala SS Mopar by night... 1969 Dodge Charger 1972 Chrysler Newport 2dr Hardtop (27K miles) Plus others...

12-12-2013, 06:39 PM	#3
gimmy 64 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: menifee california Posts: 788	Re: what do i do know the one farthest from the block, it has an ear that sticks out away from the block

12-12-2013, 06:46 PM	#4
crossfire84 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: wind lake WI Posts: 1,747	Re: what do i do know it sounds like your not attaching the front support to the starter and hanging all the weight off the 2 bolts. just my .02. __________________ LIL ERV the 50-3600 396 BBC stroked to 415 cid Richmond 6spd over drive C4 rear Porter built a arms Never give the Devil a ride,because he'll want to Drive!

12-12-2013, 07:57 PM	#5
gimmy 64 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: menifee california Posts: 788	Re: what do i do know minni starter

12-12-2013, 08:05 PM	#6
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	Re: what do i do know A mini starter wont help. Both starter patterns use the outside bolt hole that he broke off. Its probably a done deal as far as the block goes. Welding cast iron is a very specialized thing. Its a tedious and time consuming process and would probably cost more than just getting another block. Call your engine builder and see if they will help you out changing to another block. __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

12-13-2013, 12:01 AM	#7
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,246	Re: what do i do know A good welder can fix that, but it is much easier with the engine out. I fixed one a few years ago in a '65 Vette. The owner really didn't want to pull the engine back out, so I fixed it in the car. It cost him __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

12-13-2013, 12:31 AM	#8
Gumby Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NW-Ohio Posts: 2,525	Re: what do i do know Everyone makes it sound like its impossiable, but ive welded cast several time with my cheap flux mig with no problems. metal is metal

12-13-2013, 12:55 AM	#10
Gumby Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NW-Ohio Posts: 2,525	Re: what do i do know I can show you my machinest vise I weled back together about 10 times as the cheap thin casting kept breaking when I hosed it down tight. [finally the threads stripped out from use] Welded my exhaust manifold Welded a foot back onto a stove People try n make it sound like its rocket science, but its not. Probably cause they just belive what every their told and never tried it.

12-13-2013, 01:39 AM	#11
franken Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Somewhere Posts: 3,064	Re: what do i do know If you're using a manual trans, another option is an old bellhousing that the starter bolts to rather than the block...

12-13-2013, 08:19 AM	#12
burnin oil Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Eastern TN Posts: 1,921	Re: what do i do know Welding cast = preheat and slow cool. Doing a quality weld is time consuming.

12-13-2013, 09:17 AM	#13
cg285 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: sumterville, florida Posts: 914	Re: what do i do know here is another alternative http://www.classicchevy.com/chevy-en...1955-1957.html

12-13-2013, 02:58 PM	#14
storm9c1 * That's interesting * Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,772	Re: what do i do know No matter what you do, you also need to figure out why you had so many problems in the first place. Is the engine kicking back when cranking? Did you use the correct starter bolts? Are you using cheapo starters? __________________ Tom Chevy by day... 1969 Chevy C30 Rollback Tow Truck -- 383 stroker, 4L80E 2011 Chevy Caprice PPV 9C3 6.0L 1995 Chevy Caprice 9C1 1994 Chevy Caprice 9C1 #3 1995 Chevy Caprice Wagon #2 1995 Chevy Impala SS Mopar by night... 1969 Dodge Charger 1972 Chrysler Newport 2dr Hardtop (27K miles) Plus others...

12-14-2013, 10:26 PM	#16
gvw5400 Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains Posts: 263	Re: what do i do know X2, All the best, Dirk

12-28-2013, 12:22 AM	#21
chevychase Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 476	Re: what do i do know Any updates? __________________ Joe



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12-28-2013, 08:02 PM	#22
gimmy 64 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: menifee california Posts: 788	Re: what do i do know yep bought a 260 hp gm new motor from jegs. ebay special for $ 1207. anybody want a good 350 with a broke starter mount?

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.