Root cause of broken starter mount on block?
#1
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Root cause of broken starter mount on block?
Is this due to a poor original design (short bolt/long bolt) where the short bolt inner side can't handle the load over time and breaks? Then puts all the load on the outer bolt which breaks the mount tab.
Or, is it caused by hydrolock type situations or a loose inner bolt etc?
I'm about to tear the heads off my LS6 for a lifter swap and am wondering if I should buy the newer starter that uses 2 long bolts.
If the design is the cause then preemptively buying the updated starter makes sense. If the breakage is just a symptom of something like hydrolock or improper install then there's no point.
Thoughts?
Or, is it caused by hydrolock type situations or a loose inner bolt etc?
I'm about to tear the heads off my LS6 for a lifter swap and am wondering if I should buy the newer starter that uses 2 long bolts.
If the design is the cause then preemptively buying the updated starter makes sense. If the breakage is just a symptom of something like hydrolock or improper install then there's no point.
Thoughts?
#3
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Why bother... I can get the newer style OEM one on eBay for $80. Curious if anyone has broken the old design spontaneously or if it's generally related to a hydrolock type incident. Most of what I read online always gets back to hydrolock or something preventing the engine from turning over.
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Yes. I would get the newer style with the longer bolt. There's got to be a reason why GM changed this. They did this to the trucks as well.
I know a few people who have broke the ear off their block. Now that really sucks. A couple guys did have a leaking head gaskets and leaked around the starter area. I can't see how it can cause the problem though. Maybe just a coincedence. But the guys that swapped to the new design starter, have had no issues. I'm going to change mine out soon also. The start itself is awesome, no need for aftermarket. The vette starter never gets heat soaked, even with headers and other mods. Starts the car right up. And lasts over 100,000 miles.
I know a few people who have broke the ear off their block. Now that really sucks. A couple guys did have a leaking head gaskets and leaked around the starter area. I can't see how it can cause the problem though. Maybe just a coincedence. But the guys that swapped to the new design starter, have had no issues. I'm going to change mine out soon also. The start itself is awesome, no need for aftermarket. The vette starter never gets heat soaked, even with headers and other mods. Starts the car right up. And lasts over 100,000 miles.
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So if one were to check them periodically and install them with blue loctite it should remove the issue. I.e. the breakage is not due to a poor design, but due to hydrolock type situations and/or improper installation.
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#8
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Is this due to a poor original design (short bolt/long bolt) where the short bolt inner side can't handle the load over time and breaks? Then puts all the load on the outer bolt which breaks the mount tab.
Or, is it caused by hydrolock type situations or a loose inner bolt etc?
I'm about to tear the heads off my LS6 for a lifter swap and am wondering if I should buy the newer starter that uses 2 long bolts.
If the design is the cause then preemptively buying the updated starter makes sense. If the breakage is just a symptom of something like hydrolock or improper install then there's no point.
Thoughts?
Or, is it caused by hydrolock type situations or a loose inner bolt etc?
I'm about to tear the heads off my LS6 for a lifter swap and am wondering if I should buy the newer starter that uses 2 long bolts.
If the design is the cause then preemptively buying the updated starter makes sense. If the breakage is just a symptom of something like hydrolock or improper install then there's no point.
Thoughts?
#9
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The same thing just happened to my 2000 z28. First my machanic said my motor was frozen up. So I decided to look myself. Tha starter was hahging there, so we removed it and could now turn the motor over by hand.Hydrolocked by chance ?1 other thing when we tried to push start the car the rear tires arent moving even with a 4th gear push.I have the new starter just waitting on ordering the bracket for 400 hundred. Any help would be appreciated
#10
From my research, it not from the bolt loosening, its from stress on the small tab of aluminum on the starter. When fatigue sets in and it breaks the tab, the starter rotates and bust out the long bolt side. Every picture I have seen shows the small bolt tab broken off. Loctite will not prevent this. Get the dual long bolt starter from Rock-Auto. Get new AC Delco bolts while youre at it.