Stripped starter bolt

[Nj1986k10]

On my sbc 350 the outer starter bolt hole stripped out. The bolt grabs it loosely but after starting in a few times it rattles put. Whatcis the easiest fix to this. I have heard of people drilling through and using a nut with a longer bolt. I also dont have the brace. Where can i find one? It is the staggered starter with 168 tooth flywheel btw. Also it is the 3/8 bolt

[Irish_Alley]

the outer bolt hole is weak and can break or crack easy. im not going to suggest anything because i never came across this problem of it being stripped and i just want to see what others have to say

[Tjerica1201]

Helicoil maybe??

[fitz]

You have a few options that I know of.
I bought a parts truck years ago that had a rebuilt 350.  Unfortunately the block was broken off at the outside starter bolt. While the motor was out I had a welding shop weld a threaded rod into the bolt hole.  I installed the motor into my 79 Jimmy and drove it for 3 more years. It never gave me a problem.
  On the 6.2 diesels  its common for the starter bolts to cause problems if the started support bracket is not used.  If the bolt holes get damaged most people use a threaded insert to fix it.

[Nj1986k10]

The truck was originally a 305 with a 350 swapped in. Do you think i should check the year to see if it needs a metric bolt instead. The 3/8 bolt goes in then after a while feels like its not getting tighter

[Captkaos]

If it is a normal SBC it won't take metric starter bolts.  You should be able to buy new ones at any parts store
What year (numbers on the block) is it?

[Stewart G Griffin]

i did the helicoil thing on the 305 because one of my starter bolt holes was stripped out too.  Worked great.   And you can even do it with the engine in the truck.

As far as the brace, you definitely need one;  Have someone start the truck while you watch the starter without a brace and you'll see why.

A salvage yard should have one.  Also many of the aftermarket parts houses should have it.

[Nj1986k10]

The problem is once i get the bolt in far enough, it starts spinnings up there. Do you think i should get a 3/8 tap and tap it? Or get a helicoil?

Also im having trouble finding the correct brace. I can only find the one for the 153 tooth flywheel. If you guys could drop a link or tell me where i can get one i wpuld appreciate it. Thanks

[Irish_Alley]

do the threads on the bolt look screwed up?

[Nj1986k10]

No, i also tried switching the bolts

[fitz]

  If the bolt is spinning, I'm guessing that there is not enough material left to tap.  I'm thinking that a Heli coil is your next move.
  As far as the bracket, it may be tough to find.  Maybe try Ebay? Its been years since I've seen a small block with the bracket still on it. I got to admit I've swapped a few starters way back when and tossed the bracket away. It never caused any problems, but in your case I think the extra support would help.
  Maybe a smaller/lighter high torque starter would help. Kinda expensive, but might be worth it.

[jaredts]

I would also suggest switching to a gear reduction starter after fixing it.  They are so much lighter and definitely don't need a brace.  It might make a questionable repair work just fine.  DB electrical has one for about $50.  I would shine a light into the hole and make sure there isn't a piece of bolt broken off in the bottom of the hole, and then tap it.  Chances are that won't fix it but it's the easiest place to start.  Then its the helicoil.

[Nj1986k10]

I just noticed that on the driver side hole, the shim isnt lined up. If its covering the bolt hole on the passenger side, would that make it spin?

[Nj1986k10]

So i need the 3/8 helicoil kit and a 25/64 drill bit

[fitz]

I just noticed that on the driver side hole, the shim isnt lined up. If its covering the bolt hole on the passenger side, would that make it spin?

  If the shim is covering the bolt hole, yes, that would cause you problem. The bolt would not engage the threads.
  Remove the shim and install the starter. Does it bolt in tight? If so, that was your problem.
  I've owned a lot of small blocks and a few big blocks.  I've never needed a shim on any of them, but there must be a reason that the shims are made.