The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1967 - 1972 Chevrolet & GMC Pickups Message Board

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 11-11-2010, 10:07 AM   #1
smsdm02
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Springfield, MO
Posts: 11
To Heli Coil or not to Heli Coil

Well folks, here is the problem:

I recently pruchased my very first truck (ever!); 72 Chevy Longbed, 350, 350 Turbo Trans. Runs great, drove it home about 150 miles, no problems. Got it home, drove around for a few days, still no problems. About a week after purchasing it, I noticed a small starter grind on the beginning of each key turn. Finally, about 4 days ago, it wouldn't start and I got a motor spinning sound with just a bit of grinding, no engine turn over.

No problem, I just check the flywheel for bad teeth (no bad teeth present), replaced the starter and good to go. It starts right up with no problems and I get it home, turn it off and go to bed. Get up the next morning and same motor spinning sound with just a bit of grinding with no engine turn over.

I pull the starter off (to test it, it's fine) and see that the hole on the edge of the block where the outboard starter bolt bolts in has a crack on the outside. So here's my question:

Do I try to heli-core the block where the bolt goes, or do I replace the block? I have access to another block, tools, engine lift, etc. (My Fiancee's dad builds drag trucks for fun)

Is it worth it to try, or will I just make it worse by trying to heli-core it?

Please bless me with your knowledge and opinions, O Gurus of the 67-72. Thanks a bunch!
smsdm02 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-11-2010, 10:35 AM   #2
pat 70/71
Registered User
 
pat 70/71's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: newbury park california
Posts: 1,038
Re: To Heli Coil or not to Heli Coil

I would try to save the block by any means possible. its a dd correct? maybe look into welding up the crack(how long?) Heli coil or drill & tap it out to a larger size bolt (not a guru) cheers, Pat
pat 70/71 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-11-2010, 10:36 AM   #3
Lee H
Registered User
 
Lee H's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Upland Ca
Posts: 4,138
Re: To Heli Coil or not to Heli Coil

If the blocks cracked and separating it can not be just heli coiled, it may be able to be welded and then treat the threads as required.
__________________
1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner.

1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components.

My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703
Lee H is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-11-2010, 10:51 AM   #4
Sinister
Between Trucks...
 
Sinister's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA.
Posts: 3,830
Re: To Heli Coil or not to Heli Coil

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee H View Post
If the blocks cracked and separating it can not be just heli coiled, it may be able to be welded and then treat the threads as required.
__________________
Beat it to fit,
Paint it to match...
Sinister is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-11-2010, 11:21 AM   #5
stich626
Account Suspended
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: hingham ma
Posts: 1,721
Re: To Heli Coil or not to Heli Coil

they have 2 starters
one with the bolts in a line. bolt --------bolt


and one with one bolt at a point farthar back


bolt

................................................bolt
your block might be drilled for both.. even if it is not you can drill the block for it..
(mine was drilled just not tapped)
good luck..
you will need a different flywheel, (think 153 tooth one)

Last edited by stich626; 11-11-2010 at 11:22 AM.
stich626 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-11-2010, 11:28 AM   #6
69 longhorn
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: rock island,il,usa
Posts: 5,382
Re: To Heli Coil or not to Heli Coil

The outer bolt hole is the same for either starter tho. Another thought.....if the engine is fresh , & you dont want to tear it down, you can add the clutch peddle. The truck stick bell bolts the starter to the bell crazyAl
__________________
http://community.webshots.com/user/hotrodhorn
69 longhorn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-11-2010, 10:49 PM   #7
low'n slow
Too Dumb To Know Better
 
low'n slow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Texas
Posts: 882
Re: To Heli Coil or not to Heli Coil

My son had a block like that. We made a bracket that tied the end of the starter to the block with one of the oil pan bolts. Worked for 2 years until he sold it.
low'n slow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2010, 03:29 PM   #8
smsdm02
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Springfield, MO
Posts: 11
Re: To Heli Coil or not to Heli Coil

This truck is intended to be a daily driver (even though it's not pretty), but I really want to keep it around as it's a great way for my father, soon to be father-in-law, and I to get together and spend some time.

I plan on using it to haul instruments (I'm a music teacher), help buddies move, or maybe just take the lady for a ride. Versatility and reliability is a must, so please keep the suggestions coming! Thanks everyone!
smsdm02 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2010, 05:44 PM   #9
rsavage
Registered User
 
rsavage's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Alden NY
Posts: 2,705
Re: To Heli Coil or not to Heli Coil

+3 on taking it somewhere to get it welded. If it's not possible, then go to block change.
__________________
1961 C1 Corvette
1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc
69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20
2021 Durango RT 5.7
rsavage is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2010, 06:43 PM   #10
dwcsr
Hollister Road Co.
 
dwcsr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Houston
Posts: 6,134
Re: To Heli Coil or not to Heli Coil

Quote:
Originally Posted by low'n slow View Post
My son had a block like that. We made a bracket that tied the end of the starter to the block with one of the oil pan bolts. Worked for 2 years until he sold it.
Tis would be my fix until the motor is replaced or the bolt hole fails completely.

The problem with a heilicoil is that the bolts are should bolts and the recessed hole in the block needs to fit tightly against the bolt serations. If you heilicoil it you will drill out that tight fit and have more problems.
dwcsr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-14-2010, 01:10 AM   #11
slikside
Registered User
 
slikside's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: San Diego Co.
Posts: 1,144
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.
slikside is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-14-2010, 08:32 AM   #12
BOZO
Old School
 
BOZO's Avatar
 
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)
BOZO is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-14-2010, 10:46 AM   #13
Hubscrub
Cruzin
 
Hubscrub's Avatar
 
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
Hubscrub is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-14-2010, 10:54 PM   #14
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.
raycow is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
crack in block, heli-core, oh crap, repair, starter

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:40 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com