Subject: Re: F***ing generator-mount bolts
Author: Alan Dunphy
Date: Jul 19, 2002, 12:42 PM
Post ID: 1710635055
Greg,
I think it's beyond help, you should just part it out. I know
someone who wants a 4LS front end......? Just kidding.
With a very sharp center punch, mark the very center of the bolt.
Then drill a very straight (directly down the center of the bolt) hole for
an "easy out". Work a lot of lubricant, WD-40 or liquid wrench, down into
the threads. Then try to back it out with an "easy out". Use extreme care
not to break the "easy out" as the metal of an "easy out" is very hard and
will be nearly impossible to drill out. If the "easy out" fails then drill
the hole out until just the threads remain. Get a proper size tap and tap
the bolt threads out. This requires a lot of care and good lighting to make
sure that you only remove the bolt threads. If that fails or the threads are
in bad condition from the bolt working (likely) then I would install a
"heli-coil". Some people seem to like "timeserts" better than "heli-coils"
but in this case (no pun intended) the hole size required for "timeserts"
would remove to much metal from the bolt boss. Welding the strap on to the
back of the bracket has been recommended by others but not as a replacement
for a bolt but in addition to both bolts.
When you do get the bolt hole repaired and the generator installed
check for clearance under the front of the generator, where it rests on the
top of the engine case. If there is play (if you could turn the generator a
half inch there is sure to be a lot of play) there make a shim to eliminate
the clearance. This removes the stress from the generator mount and helps
prevent the bracket from cracking and the bolts from working loose again.
Good Luck, and if you do decide you don't want the 4LS keep me in
mind.
Alan
'74 Eldorado LAPD Wixomized
MGNOC 4352
Alan R. Dunphy
adun-@midmaine.com
Pittsfield, ME 04967-1426
----- Original Message -----
From: "Greg Field" <gre-@cwizard.com>
To: <Loopfram-@topica.com>
Sent: Friday, July 19, 2002 2:09 PM
Subject: F***ing generator-mount bolts
I finally got around to working on my "new" 4LS Eldo, and the damn generator was so loose I could wiggle it by hand 1/2 inch side to side. I pulled the generator, took out the front bolt no problem, but had trouble with the rear. I could screw it in a few turns and back it out to its original position but no further. So I did what any impatient lunkhead would do and tried to force it out. Snap! Anyone want to share success stories on how you got one of these bastards out? Or should I just weld a strap on the back of the mount and bolt that to the distributor bolt? Will that mount, along with the good front bolt hold it well enough? Thanks! |