I threw in a new starter this morning and with what I thought was "snugging" I stripped the hole in the trans for one of the starter bolts. The back of the bolt is not exposed so I can't just put a nut on it. Right now I just have the bolt head c-clamped to the trans to keep it from backing out. How the heck do I fix this, keeping in mind that the starter may have to come back out someday?

 

is there enough meat to drill it and tap it larger?

 

If the thread course bottoms out, you may not be able to tap it. But if you could, that would be the most secure end result. There's also "Thread inserts". If that doesn't last(but probably will), you can still tap it later.

 

theres special taps for ones that bottom out, they are flat on the bottom...(i used to be a fabricator)

 

A friend just recommended heli-coils, which look like the inserts that were mentioned. There is a little kit that comes with a tap, just need a drill. I think I will try that route first. Thanks for the suggestions i'll let you know what I end up doing and how it works.

 

When installing the Heli-coil, follow the instructions carefully. Different drill sizes are used for aluminum or steel.

 

I couldn't remember "Heli-Coil" to save my life!

 

Could you drill out the other side or would you run into problems?

 

The parts store didn't have the size thread insert I needed so I just just a longer bolt and put some permatex on it and my hope is that it will keep it from vibrating loose. As long as it stays in there I think it will be ok since most of the force on the bolt is a shear force and shouldn't act to push the bolt out.

 

are you sure you have the right bolts....some are metric and standards will strip in a metric hole...the closest is 7/16-14 and it is very close to the metric counterpart...even a 3/8-16 will thread in the hole...

is it sloppy/wobbly...? that would be a clue...I say drill all the way through it...put a nut on the back side of the tranny ear...wont hurt anything...