RE: STARTER (TO BLOCK) BOLTS:

[Stewart G Griffin]

What's happening now is that on one of the starter bolts, i can turn it 7 times, each turn getting tighter.  And then on the 8th turn, it "pops" loose.  i can then turn it again 7 times.  And then, on the 8th time, it will "pop" loose again.  And so forth and so forth.

The other bolt tightens to the proper torque with no problems.

What is causing this and how to remedy the situation?

[Lt.Del]

the threads in the hole are stripped.
May have to rethread the started bolt hole. 

[Blue 82]

Are there two ar three bolts on the starter pad

Which two are you using? (the two straight across or the staggered two?)

I doubt the threads are bottomed out since you are using a 3/8"-16 bolt (16 threads per inch- 8 turns = 1/2")

Sounds like thime for a threaded insert or a helicoil
or another starter as long as the affected hole is not the farthest from the block.

[Stewart G Griffin]

i forgot to mention that this is a SBC.

i think i'm using the staggered setup;  i didn't realize there were more?

The affected hole is closer inboard to the pan.

[Lt.Del]

i didn't realize there were more?

yep, there is a staggered two-bolt pattern as well as an inline, paralell with the block two-bolt pattern for sbc's.

[VileZambonie]

Get new bolts and run a tap through the holes first. Check the help section at your auto parts store. They should have these
http://www.outdoorpros.com/Prod/Dorman-Motormite-45640-Starter-Starter-Mounting-Bolts/51111/Cat/1283?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=googlebase&cvsfa=1184&cvsfe=2&cvsfp=51111

If the hole is stripped beyond repair get a helicoil

[Blue 82]

This is a staggered style starter


This is the straight style starter
Note the two sets of mounting holes
One set is for the 153 tooth flywheel
one set ids for the 168 tooth flywheel


you can't go wrong with one of these
you can clock it to clear your exhaust etc....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-Hitachi-Enforcer-PSL100-Starter-Chevrolet_W0QQitemZ320357663968QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item320357663968&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

[Stewart G Griffin]

1) Wow!  You learn something new each day;  i went underneath last night to take a look and yes there are three holes not two as i'd always thought.  Is the reason for the staggered setup for better load/force distribution?  i've seen starters turn without the brace in the front and the starters move up and down!

2)Would the tap be 3/8 16thread?

[Captkaos]

1) difference in size is due to the size of the flywheel 153 tooth vs 168 tooth.