Broken block starter mount

[CHRIS7063]

http://db.tt/rci5gcJ0

I hope you can open this and see what is going on.

I know that in the end a solid block is the best answer.

Does anyone have a reasonable answer?

 

[achris]

Re: Broken block starter mount

I successfully welded a similarly broken block a few years ago. I used a MIG welder. I ground out a groove, put the welder on quite a high current setting and then just did a small spot weld (less than 2 seconds), let it cool right down and do another spot. It takes a while to do the full weld but it might just work. The secret is to not let the block get warm. I was able to touch each completed spot within 10 seconds of doing it... That's how cold I kept it...

Chris.......

 

[CHRIS7063]

Re: Broken block starter mount

I successfully welded a similarly broken block a few years ago. I used a MIG welder. I ground out a groove, put the welder on quite a high current setting and then just did a small spot weld (less than 2 seconds), let it cool right down and do another spot. It takes a while to do the full weld but it might just work. The secret is to not let the block get warm. I was able to touch each completed spot within 10 seconds of doing it... That's how cold I kept it...

Chris.......

Thanks the marine dealer is making me nervous because he is leaning towards saying there might be nothing he can do.
i understand that he may not be able to but after some research of welding companies in St. Louis I found one that has a good website that offers full service so they may be my answer instead of a new block. I got to at least try!!!

Thanks
chris

 

[rickryder]

Re: Broken block starter mount

I know back in the day of my drag racing we would send blocks out to be welded... They heat the block and weld with nickel rods.... It can be done.

Found this on google search....
Instructions

Welding Cast Iron With an Arc Welder
1


Purchase or rent a SMAW (shielded metal arc welding or stick electrode) welder at your hardware store or equipment rental company.

2


Plug your welder into a 220V outlet and then plug in your ground cord and welder electrode holder cord into the welder.


3


Welding cast iron requires a special electrode. Purchase a 770 stick electrode to weld cast iron.

4


Clean the surface to be welded with a wire brush.

5


Clamp the grounding clamp cord from the welder onto the piece of cast iron to be welded.

6


Place an electrode into the welder electrode holder, position the electrode near where the weld will start and pull your helmet over your face.

7


Tap the electrode on the cast iron until it strikes an arc and begin to weave the electrode stick from side to side. Always keep the arc a half-centimeter or less away from the piece of steel you are welding.

8


Allow the weld to cool for a few minutes, then use the welding hammer to chip off the slag from the top of the weld.




Read more: How to Weld Cast Iron With an Arc Welder | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4815592_weld-cast-iron-arc-welder.html#ixzz1qfBMYkBd

 

[Pete104]

Re: Broken block starter mount

Not everybody is willing to weld cast iron!
Bigger question! That engine used a 3rd mount on the front of the starter. Do you have it? Without it you're done!

 

[picklenjim]

Re: Broken block starter mount

To begin with the engine is going to have to come out. No one is going to be able to even attempt to repair that in the boat.Welding cast iron sucks and as mentioned some welders won't even want to mess with it. You never mentioned what engine or year it is so I'm going to stick my neck out and assume it's a small block chevy. One thing that you could do is find a marine mini starter with the dual mounting holes for use with either 153 tooth or 168 tooth flywheels.I don't know which of these flywheels you have but if it's a 153 tooth all you would need is the starter. If you have a 168 tooth you would need a 153 tooth flywheel and the starter. With the starter mounted to the block as to be used with the 153 tooth flywheel you will have a unused bolt hole in the starter right next to the hole which is broken off. You can drill and tap the block and use this hole in the starter which will be right next to the broken off hole. You would need to do this on an engine stand with the engine upside down. Here's the type of starter I'm talking about however this one is not marine. Doing this you would be bolting to the block through the two inner holes.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-HP-High-T...pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

 

[CHRIS7063]

Re: Broken block starter mount

To begin with the engine is going to have to come out. No one is going to be able to even attempt to repair that in the boat.Welding cast iron sucks and as mentioned some welders won't even want to mess with it. You never mentioned what engine or year it is so I'm going to stick my neck out and assume it's a small block chevy. One thing that you could do is find a marine mini starter with the dual mounting holes for use with either 153 tooth or 168 tooth flywheels.I don't know which of these flywheels you have but if it's a 153 tooth all you would need is the starter. If you have a 168 tooth you would need a 153 tooth flywheel and the starter. With the starter mounted to the block as to be used with the 153 tooth flywheel you will have a unused bolt hole in the starter right next to the hole which is broken off. You can drill and tap the block and use this hole in the starter which will be right next to the broken off hole. You would need to do this on an engine stand with the engine upside down. Here's the type of starter I'm talking about however this one is not marine. Doing this you would be bolting to the block through the two inner holes.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-HP-High-T...pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

Thanks to all for the advise I am taking my I pad to the boat dealer and showing him the messages.

Thanks
Chris

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Re: Broken block starter mount

Dont get to excited about the ebay starter. It wont work for you. A good fabricator can make a bracket that comes off of the bellhousing bolts. I have seen it work well before.

 

[Pete104]

Re: Broken block starter mount

What engine is, exactly!? Yea, it's looks like merc tag on it, but in relation to the flywheel, just don't add up.

 

[sswheeler]

Re: Broken block starter mount

pull it out, roll it over, weld it up with nickel rod, gring it down, drill and tap, reinstall. I've done it a couple of times. its not hard just labor intensive. And make sur eyou use the front mount bracket. If you dont have one, get one. Good Luck

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Broken block starter mount

I agree w/sswheeler but to properly weld on cast you must slowly bring the temp of the parent cast up to temp (pre-heat) and after fabrication let it cool as slowly as it was pre-heated for the weld to take but where it's located engine removal is almost a must. Good luck!

 

[CHRIS7063]

Re: Broken block starter mount

What engine is, exactly!? Yea, it's looks like merc tag on it, but in relation to the flywheel, just don't add up.

It is a 1995 or 96 mercuriser 4.3 liter . The boat is registrated as a 96. Sea Ray 215 express cruiser. Just bought the boat and this was discovered on the first routine maintenance check over. This was something I never dreamed of. It started fine while out testing but I guess it was a matter of time before it was going to become a out on the water problem.
Thanks
chris

 

[Harritwo]

Re: Broken block starter mount

In order to weld CAST IRON, you need heaters or a torch to bring the temp up and then you can weld it. You can use 60xx to start and then when you are done, bring the heaters or torch back and bring the temp down slowly. It has to be clean, open the joint up to a Vee and put some brass or aluminum on the back side solid. Another option is to braze it with a brass rod and flux. Again it has to be controlled heat and a Vee joint with about a 1/8-3/16" opening. The key to welding cast is to go slow, control the heat, and bring it up and take it down slowly.

 

[Jmunk]

Re: Broken block starter mount

If it were mine I would get a good 4.3L shortblock from the junkyard and swap over the necessary parts and be done.

 

[Pete104]

Re: Broken block starter mount

It is a 1995 or 96 mercuriser 4.3 liter . The boat is registrated as a 96. Sea Ray 215 express cruiser. Just bought the boat and this was discovered on the first routine maintenance check over. This was something I never dreamed of. It started fine while out testing but I guess it was a matter of time before it was going to become a out on the water problem.
Thanks
chris

Thank you, I don't know why but for some reason I thought you had an in-line 6.

 

[ericp501]

Re: Broken block starter mount

I just started a thread that shows how to fix this to get you through the season. Same break

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Broken block starter mount

I have in the past fixed one like this in the boat by grinding a flat spot on top of the thread location in the picture. As to create a place for a nut and washer. Use a piece of all-thread to make a stud type situation where you are cinching down the starter and block together with a washer and nut on each end. Instead of pulling on the broken threads.
Its a bit of a rig job for sure but might keep you from having to pull the engine.
Good luck!

 

[ericp501]

Re: Broken block starter mount



This took 20 mins, cost maybe $10 and is strong as can be, starter doesn't even budge. You can see where the mount is totally broken off just like yours. I got the idea from another member, he posted a picture of his back in like 2009. He said the boat worked like this for over 4 years without any problem. I tried EVERYTHING.. This is the best/only fix for a broken mount, other then replacing the block or welding in my opinion.

 

[CHRIS7063]

Re: Broken block starter mount

I have in the past fixed one like this in the boat by grinding a flat spot on top of the thread location in the picture. As to create a place for a nut and washer. Use a piece of all-thread to make a stud type situation where you are cinching down the starter and block together with a washer and nut on each end. Instead of pulling on the broken threads.
Its a bit of a rig job for sure but might keep you from having to pull the engine.
Good luck!

Yes that is what I am going to show the boat guy this is the thing to do to save labor costs.

Thanks!

 

[CHRIS7063]

Re: Broken block starter mount

Yes that is what I am going to show the boat guy this is the thing to do to save labor costs.

Thanks!

We have a plan and I will tell you how he does it once it is done. ( the boat repairman)
thanks to all for all your help. It's good to be on board with all of you.

Stay tuned
thanks
chris