Help Starter Bracket question?

[TRUCK1996]

Hello all,
I just got my hands on a fixer upper. 1996 3500 crewcab dually with the 6.5td. I dont know a whole lot about these engines, and all you on here seem to know a whole lot, so here goes. When you crank the engine, it makes horrible grinding sounds as a starter alignment issue. The outer corner of the block were the starter bolts up, has evidence of being welded back on, and actually looks like a very good weld. There is a brand new starter, and the threads in the block are pretty much all stipped out. Have read so far, there is supposed to be some sort of support bracket for the starter, which It doesnt have one, that can cause all the issues I have now. Does anybody out there have a picture of one, so I can at least see what it looks like. Supposidly the truck runs good, if I can sort out the starter issue, hopefully the owner is truthfull. Thanks to all.

[DmaxMaverick]

Welcome to the Forums!

Have a look at THIS THREAD (http://www.thedieselpageforums.com/tdpforum/showthread.php?t=27651). It should cover it.

[TRUCK1996]

Thanks a million DmaxMaverick,
thats what I needed to see.
Awesome forum, you guys rock....
What do you recommend, helicoil with original 3/8 threads, or drill and tap with 7/16 threads and use the larger bolts?

[Robyn]

Just a side note.
The easiest way to access the little bracket an the starter wires is to remove the RF wheel an the little rubber weather flap on the inner fender.
You can see and get to the starter real well from there. The little front bracket is easily bolted to the side of the block and the starter too right through the access hole in the fender.

Hope this will help

Robyn

[DmaxMaverick]

Either thread method will work, but I'd recommend the Heli-Coil first. If it works, great. If it doesn't, you can always go with the bigger bolt. Heli-Coils can be as good or better than the original tapping. If it is done correctly, it will last a lifetime. The key to starter bolts is the torque. Too little or too much spells disaster down the road. It should be on your to do list during oil changes or lube jobs. At the very least, every other service interval. It only takes a second to hit it with a torque wrench, and you are down there anyway. If you don't have a torque wrench, get one. If for nothing else, for that purpose alone. You are seeing the result now of someone that didn't. And, use new bolts if you are unsure of the age of the current. Off-the-shelf bolts from the hardware store are no good. Get the right ones from GM. They're not that costly for what they will do for you later.

Robyn's right. Save your knuckles and pull that fender-skirt-thingy to get to the bracket location. Lot easier to remove or hook up cables/wires, too.

[TRUCK1996]

Great advise,
Guess I should have said you guys and gals rock. Sorry about that Robyn.
Another question. Are the starter bolts on this diesel, the same as your usual chevy starter bolt? You know the kind you can find at the local autozone in the Help section, or do the factory chevy bolts have a larger diameter in the portion that goes thru the starter but with the smaller 3/8 thread that goes in the block.
The bolts that were in there, were hardware store style cheapo grade bolts. Well I went to local autoparts store and got the help section chevy starter bolts, but the diameter of the holes in the starter look like a 7/16 bolt would be the correct size, as the typical 3/8 chevy starter bolt has alot of play. Cant imagine that is good.
Is that normal, or is it that I have some cheapo made in china starter.
If this is the norm, makes me want to go ahead and do the 7/16 drill and tap method...

[DmaxMaverick]

The reason I suggested the dealer is exactly what you found. The "Help" bolts will be as universal as they can make them. And, who knows where they make them. I've never made a comparison of the BBC/SBC to Diesel. I don't have any on hand (not in use) to compare, either. Hardware store bolts is probably the reason you are having the issue you have now. I wouldn't take a chance with it. Visit the dealer. Any other approach may save you $5, now.

[oldmechanic]

the bolts on all of my engines are metric don't remember what size but in between 3/8 &7/16
& takes 15 MM socket . I recomend the heli coil if at all posable