When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hello. I've been reading posts, for about a year, and have found a lot of good advice here. This is my first post however, and I'm needing help. My 01 Z28 5.7 started breaking starters (3 to be exact), over 4th of July weekend. Breaking the case, at the bolt holes. To make matters worse, this last one, it not only broke the starter housing at the short bolt hole, but it broke a piece of the block off, at the long bolt hole. Other than pulling the entire engine out, to have piece welded back on, is there any other options, that I have, regarding the repair of the block??
This what the new starter looks like, after the breaks.
The flywheel appears to be in good shape, at this section, anyway.
I am hearing more and more of these types of broken blocks from the starter breaking. I read a thread and it happened to a local buddy of mine about 2 months ago. I upgraded to the later design starter which uses the two longer style bolts. There are a few guys who were lucky enough to have a welder fix it in car while most of the others had to take the block out of the car to get it fixed. There was a bracket that some guy fabbed up that was like over $300, but it was a fix even I you had a broken piece like you have. I will see if I can get some pics and info on the bracket if that's what your thinking.
Negative. Motor doesn't appear to be seized, as it did start and run for a bit. Oil looks fine too. No water or peculiar smell, color. I'm hoping to find a welder, experienced with aluminum, that is willing to try to weld, with motor in car. There's enough room, if bank 2 cat is moved out of the way, I think. Thanks for the response, as this tells me, it can be done.
OK. This seems to be a fairly common problem, with the LS1 motors. So, I guess that I should be looking for a truck starter? Is the 6.0 Tahoe starter, the one I should go with??
Also, does anyone know, where I could the following adapter??
This pic (which I've borrowed) clearly shows my problem.
OK. This seems to be a fairly common problem, with the LS1 motors.
Correct.
Originally Posted by Spot
Also, does anyone know, where I could the following adapter??
Step 1: Clutch your wallet tightly...
Step 2: Do a web search for "LS1 Starter Bridge"
Step 3: Make your decision while you feel the uncomfortable pucker from what you just saw upon the web search
Got it welded back on!! I finally found a welder, willing to give welding the broken piece back on, with the motor still in the car, and SUCCESS!!! He did a great job, for a good price!! If anyone in Central MO needs a good welder, contact me, as this guy KNOWS what he is doing. He used 40/47 rods with a TIG and Argon gas. I put the truck starter in, and so far, so good!!!! HALLELUJAH!!!