Starter alternative to broken bolt extraction from block
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 113
Likes: 13
From: West Hollywood
Starter alternative to broken bolt extraction from block
Issue
The threaded portion of the inside starter bolt sheared off in the engine block. It is subsurface and needs extraction or machining to remove. No block damage from shear.
Relevant Spec
1994 LT1 6sp
153 tooth flywheel
Current starter = in-line mount
Staggered mount bore also present (3 mount holes to block, staggered previously unused)
Summary
Experienced a no start that sounded like a failed bendix in the starter assembly. Jacked vehicle to diagnose. Outboard (short) starter bolt missing. Inboard (long) bolt dangling in starter. The threaded portion of the starter bolt had sheared. I am hesitant to drill this out myself and damage the block, several mechanics have lacked interest and suggest a machine shop. I am seeking an alternative fix such as a 153 tooth compatible starter that can be stagger-mounted.
Question
I have seen several 153/168 tooth compatible high-torque starters, such as the Tilton linked below, that can accommodate both tooth configurations and bolt patterns. Can I install one of these type starter types, and use the staggered pattern for 153 tooth rather than in-line mounting? If the answer is yes, does anyone have a recommended product? I am not cost sensitive as this solution would be cheaper than towing or block removal and machining.
https://tiltonracing.com/product/400...super-starter/
The threaded portion of the inside starter bolt sheared off in the engine block. It is subsurface and needs extraction or machining to remove. No block damage from shear.
Relevant Spec
1994 LT1 6sp
153 tooth flywheel
Current starter = in-line mount
Staggered mount bore also present (3 mount holes to block, staggered previously unused)
Summary
Experienced a no start that sounded like a failed bendix in the starter assembly. Jacked vehicle to diagnose. Outboard (short) starter bolt missing. Inboard (long) bolt dangling in starter. The threaded portion of the starter bolt had sheared. I am hesitant to drill this out myself and damage the block, several mechanics have lacked interest and suggest a machine shop. I am seeking an alternative fix such as a 153 tooth compatible starter that can be stagger-mounted.
Question
I have seen several 153/168 tooth compatible high-torque starters, such as the Tilton linked below, that can accommodate both tooth configurations and bolt patterns. Can I install one of these type starter types, and use the staggered pattern for 153 tooth rather than in-line mounting? If the answer is yes, does anyone have a recommended product? I am not cost sensitive as this solution would be cheaper than towing or block removal and machining.
https://tiltonracing.com/product/400...super-starter/
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,500
Likes: 879
From: Saratoga Springs NY
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Left handed drill bit. Done it a lot with great success. The bolt thats in block is not under tension. So once the bit bites, itll unscrew from block.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 113
Likes: 13
From: West Hollywood
Thanks for this confirmation and the above suggestion. I'd rather go the starter route, I took the other apart thinking about a rebuild, it is pretty aged and filth throughout. Any recs on a high torque 153 with a staggered options. I don't race, just street, but willing to pay a little more given the issue.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,500
Likes: 879
From: Saratoga Springs NY
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Thanks for this confirmation and the above suggestion. I'd rather go the starter route, I took the other apart thinking about a rebuild, it is pretty aged and filth throughout. Any recs on a high torque 153 with a staggered options. I don't race, just street, but willing to pay a little more given the issue.
I honestly dont know who makes mine. Never been an issue. Read the reviews at Summit racing to guide you.
But im telling ya, try the left handed drill bit. I work on boats and ive done this more than a few times with no room to get to it and its worked. Its never not worked for me. Worth a 5 dollar try.
