Archived Starter bolts loosening!

[DrJC]

Need advice on a fix for my starter bolts on '96 Ram 2500 4wd Cummins w/5 speed--they keep loosening. The top bolt seems to have lost some of its thread and actually works loose and falls out.



I discovered problem 3 weeks ago, replaced top bolt, tightened all to seemingly snug position. Yesterday, the starter had a strange sound and I found the top bolt again missing, with the bottom ones loosened a turn or so.



I had starter replaced with a rebuilt 3 yrs. ago. Perhaps there was some cross-threading on the top bolt?



After replacing the missing bolt, and retightening all, I decided to check the threads and removed all three. The threads on all 3 contained a lot of metal--probably aluminum.



I've cleaned the threads and reinstalled the bolts, but I think the loosening will continue--especially on the top bolt, which tightens with less authority than the other 2.



What procedures can you recommend to cure the problem?



Thanks, in advance for your assistance.



DrJC



From Michigan, in LA, leaving tomorrow for home

 

[Joe G.]

You may have to install some heli-coils to fix the threads. Make sure that the bolts are the correct ones.

 

[EKlem]

Have you tried lock-tite? If that doesn't work, I agree with Joe that you may have to use a heli-coil kit.

 

[Joe G.]

The extra metal in the threads makes me think that lock-tite won't work. The shop may have used the wrong screws or tighten them too much or both.

 

[DrJC]

The extra metal in the threads makes me think that lock-tite won't work. The shop may have used the wrong screws or tighten them too much or both.

Joe G, EKlem,



Thanks for your response, suggestions. I'll use both: I put loc-tite (blue) on each of the bolts and snugged them down. When I get back to Michigan (next week), I'll install the heli-coils, which should be a more permanent remedy. On the way home, I'll check status of bolts at the end of each day.



Again, thanks a lot!



DrJC

Jim Cambridge

 

[Signal73]

Maybe a lock washer if possible on top of the loc-tite...

 

[DrJC]

Joe G, EKlem, Signal73,



So far so good. I'm nearly half way back (Rawlins, Wyoming) to Michigan from southern California, and the bolts are still secure!



I check them each night at the conclusion of driving, just in case.



Yes, Signal73, the lock washers are a good back up: I brought 3 along, just in case.



Thanks again, fellas.



DrJC

Jim Cambridge

 

[Hoefler]

I would suggest you find some King-serts. They are made from steel, you drill and tap the hole to the next size bigger, thread this threaded collar in and set the four pins to lock it in place. I have used red lock-tite to help set them. I have used them to repair aluminum flywheel housings that have stripped bell housing mounting holes in class 8 trucks.

 

[qkoop]

You may want to check the hole for thread depth, maybe a longer bolt will grab some deeper thread.