starter bracing/bracketing

[nerdlinger]

99 XP Limited, 951:

One of the bolts mounting the starter to the block is broken off. I tried drilling it, but the easy out broke off in the hole and I'm not getting anywhere trying to drill it. It's not looking good at this point, so I need to consider other options short of paying a mechanic $600 to pull the engine to do it.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience or ideas about securing a starter another way. It still has one useful mounting bolt, but I don't think it will last long with just one. The schematics from the repair manual show three mounting bolts, but actually there are only two. Is it possible to make a custom bracket to mount it to another bolt on the bottom of the block? Or maybe to the negative ground? Is that safe? I know that it wouldn't be as secure, but anything would help, right?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[timmyboy76]

yeah,..anything would help. If , with brace and bolt, still dont dig it, what about "smearing" jb-weld on broken bolt area...?

 

[nerdlinger]

There are two bolts that are about two inches apart on the bottom of the block behind the starter. I'm making an aluminum bracket that will use the bolts as anchors. I will then use multiple tie straps running behind the bracket and around the starter to help hold it in place. All those tie straps holding the wires and hoses together gave me the idea.

I thought about JB Weld, and I think if my other idea doesn't work I will try it. That will be my last resort, because if I ever have to replace the starter it won't be easy to get that JB Weld out of there.