Starter bolts broke off in side of the block

[bharris6]

Went to crank to boat up this morning and as it went to turn over we heard a not fun sound. When tried to crank it a second time the starter spun but was grabbing nothing. We took the rear locker dividers out and found that the starter was loose. Figured no big deal, tighten it back up and be on our way. As I went to put the wrench to the bolt the bolt fell in my hand and same thing happened with the other one. Both bolts broke off right at the beginning on the threads in the same place. We are fearing the worst of having to pull the block out to try to back out the rest of the bolt. Any suggestions on how to troubleshoot this problem so we don't have to pull the block? PCM 330 motor

[surroundsound64]

Never worked on the 330, but why can't you just drill them and use a set of easy outs or the likes? I would be drilling the holes oversized and helicoiling them before I pulled a motor for that.

[Paxdad]

What boat and what year?? This is not a common problem as those are usually a grade 8 bolt. Was the boat ever in a salt environment?? You might want to take a punch and hammer and hit each one of the bolt ends with the punch. This will often times break the bolt free from the housing threads and help if you have to use a bolt extractor. I would also coat it with plenty of PB Blaster and let it set for 24 hours before trying to remove.

[obd666]

ouch. iv'e seen this happen before on 5.7L gm's in cars, but never heard of it in a boat. those bolts will have to come out, and how bad it will be depends on if you have anything to work with above the surface of the block? if broken below the surface, they will probably have to be drilled out using left hand bits, etc. hopefully there is something there to weld a nut onto possibly, and as much pb blaster as you can get on it. thats a tough break, best of luck getting them out.