To Heli Coil or not to Heli Coil - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

slikside · 11-14-2010, 01:10 AM

Not saying the crack is not the problem, but be aware that not all starters are created equal either. Years ago I was having a similar problem. The two starters I purchased from Kragen would be ok for about a week then I would start having grinding and gnashing problems (although it was engaging the flywheel). Anyhow, got tired of the runaround with the rebuilds from Kragen. Went to the Chevy dealer and got an ACDelco starter...end of story. That was nearly 20 years ago.

BOZO · 11-14-2010, 08:32 AM

You won't have much luck welding on the block, but brazing will work being as it is a cast metal. Also instead of a helicoil, use a Keenesert. These are threaded inserts which use the next size bigger threads drilled and tapped into the block then the insert is screwed into the block and the locking tabs are driven into the threads to hold it in place. Helicoils require a specific tap to create the threads and are more prone to pulling out than Keeneserts.
Some starters have a 3 bolt aluminum housing. Sometimes these can be used to drill and tap an extra hole in the block. Also, as posted earlier it is a good idea to use the front bracket (a stock Chevrolet item) to brace the starter whether you have a problem or not.

Hubscrub · 11-14-2010, 10:46 AM

i agree i would just have it welded if possible, i have motor in my nova that the hole starter ear was broke off and had it welded and has been fine for years (reason it was broke we got the motor out of a totaled 71? camaro)

raycow · 11-14-2010, 10:54 PM

You might want to consider a starter mounting plate like this.
http://www.classicchevy.com/chevy-en...1955-1957.html
It is used with a bellhousing mount starter, and those almost never have the kind of engagement problems you get with the block mounted type.

Ray

11-14-2010, 01:10 AM	#1
slikside Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Diego Co. Posts: 1,155	Re: To Heli Coil or not to Heli Coil Not saying the crack is not the problem, but be aware that not all starters are created equal either. Years ago I was having a similar problem. The two starters I purchased from Kragen would be ok for about a week then I would start having grinding and gnashing problems (although it was engaging the flywheel). Anyhow, got tired of the runaround with the rebuilds from Kragen. Went to the Chevy dealer and got an ACDelco starter...end of story. That was nearly 20 years ago.

11-14-2010, 08:32 AM	#2
BOZO Old School Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Dover,AR Posts: 185	Re: To Heli Coil or not to Heli Coil You won't have much luck welding on the block, but brazing will work being as it is a cast metal. Also instead of a helicoil, use a Keenesert. These are threaded inserts which use the next size bigger threads drilled and tapped into the block then the insert is screwed into the block and the locking tabs are driven into the threads to hold it in place. Helicoils require a specific tap to create the threads and are more prone to pulling out than Keeneserts. Some starters have a 3 bolt aluminum housing. Sometimes these can be used to drill and tap an extra hole in the block. Also, as posted earlier it is a good idea to use the front bracket (a stock Chevrolet item) to brace the starter whether you have a problem or not. __________________ #1 Project...69 Chevy swb Fleetside (Dad's truck) #2...1983 El Camino SS (Choo Choo Custom) #3...1974 Datsun truck (4.3L V6/4L60E) #4...1951 Cadillac Limo (1975 Caddy running gear) #5...1938 Dodge M38 3/4 ton Military truck #6...1968 Sportster XLCH trail bike 5 GMC & Chevy parts trucks 68 to 72 Last but not least; My 1978 Harley Davidson Electraglide (trusted & reliable companion for the last 30 years)

11-14-2010, 10:46 AM	#3
Hubscrub Cruzin Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: on the road Posts: 2,835	Re: To Heli Coil or not to Heli Coil i agree i would just have it welded if possible, i have motor in my nova that the hole starter ear was broke off and had it welded and has been fine for years (reason it was broke we got the motor out of a totaled 71? camaro) __________________ Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14

11-14-2010, 10:54 PM	#4
raycow Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Francisco, CA USA Posts: 2,454	Re: To Heli Coil or not to Heli Coil You might want to consider a starter mounting plate like this. http://www.classicchevy.com/chevy-en...1955-1957.html It is used with a bellhousing mount starter, and those almost never have the kind of engagement problems you get with the block mounted type. Ray __________________ Live more responsibly. Eat lower on the food chain. Eat vegetarians. Last edited by raycow; 11-14-2010 at 10:56 PM.



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