crank bolt striped

fast84vette

Well-Known Member
hey grumpy last night i tried to turn the motor over to get to top dead center but then the wost happend. my crank bolt stripped! i took the bolt off and about the first 4 or 5 treads were striped flat. what do i do? i have a tap die set but do i have to buy a new bolt then re tap the crankshaft with the same 7/16 20 tread size? or will that not work?

i also to see if the bolt screwed without the washer and it went in fine.
 
ok well i am a little confused..
so it could be that my balancer is not all the way in? well i am going to try to see if it can go in furter back.

well i read true everything and what i want to know if i go with using a bbc balancer bolt what tap size would i use? and i know you said that the only problem with that is some balancer installer tools wont fit?
 
step one, most crank bolt threads strip when guys try to use the damper bolt to pull the damper onto the crank snout, thats NOT the correct way to do it, theres a TOOL designed to do it correctly,and you should own one and use it.
READ THIS THREAD

viewtopic.php?f=53&t=83&p=106&hilit=beat+damper+hammer#p106

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performance- ... 1/10002/-1
when you use the cranks damper,locking bolt theres frequently not enough threads engauged and the threads tend to strip under the stress.
head bolts that show any thread damage should be replaced,
and be aware that NEW ARP studs put far less sress on threads,and are potentially stronger, than using bolts to secure heads to the block

Bolthelicoilrp.jpg

obviously you will need to be measuring the distance from the front surface on the damper that the damper retaining washer bears against ,and the true total depth of the threaded hole in the crank snout
98851.gif

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=98851
thats why every engine assembler has tools like this, for getting quick checks , done on clearances etc.
if the bolts significantly shorter than that length then its obvious that the threads on the bolt were not fully engaged with the cranks inner snout threads
doing the repair by redrilling and re-tapping the crank snout with a larger thread size is fairly easy, but getting access to the crank with the engine still in the car /truck can be rather dificult and time consuming.
If you can remove the radiator and supprt and possiably the grill and get room its no big deal but its very common to have a huge problem getting enough clearance to work.
Having access to the correct tools helps
ing-7807r_w_ml.jpg

example
if your current crank bolt is an ARP bolt, heres the dimensions,
keep in mind a bolt threaded in steel should have 1.5 times its diam. MINIMUM in the threads before the bolt starts to draw or tighten or clamp and TWICE its diam. in the threads is better as a minimum to prevent stripped threads, and remember the bolt should never be allowed to bottom out in the crank snout threads and tighten against the bottom of the drilled hole either
arpbalancerbolt.jpg

tool_tap.jpg

Summit Racing Part Number ARP-134-2501

Thread Size 7/16-20 RH in.
Underhead Length (in) 2.470 in.
Head Style 12-point
Washer Included Yes
Fastener Yield Strength (psi) 200,000 psi
Fastener Material Chromemoly
Fastener Finish Black oxide
Quantity Sold individually.
Notes Features 5/8 in. socket size.

One tough bolt.

As the crankshaft flexes, the damper absorbs incredible amounts of energy. These damper bolt kits from ARP will ensure that your balancer is locked into position. They feature a 1/4 in. thick wide-area washer and an extra tall 12-point head that accepts a deep socket to eliminate the fear of stripping the head.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-134-2501/

now you can probably re-tap the current threads and use a longer bolt and get by for now, but drilling it with the correct larger drill diam. and re-threading for the big block Chevy bolt is the more common route taken once you strip crank threads
viewtopic.php?f=53&t=1480&p=6221&hilit=stripped+crank#p6221

viewtopic.php?f=53&t=1798&p=5680&hilit=stripped+crank#p5680
there is supposed to be about a .0001 -.0002 INTERFERENCE fit! so the damper has far less tendency to spin on the crank snout or work the woodriff key loose, you can generally polish the crank snout, and internal damper hole with a flap wheel and 400 grit sand paper enough to get a smoother surface, then, place the damper in boiling water to heat and expand it and oil its mating surface, use the correct damper installation tool, pick the damper up with oven mitts so you don,t get burned, use the tool to install it
Cranksnoutdimensions1.jpg

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/otc-6505

I,ve generally found that if you've stripped the SBC crank snout threads the best answer is to drill and re-thread to the standard and larger BBC crank snout bolt threads size

btw if youve ever tried to draw on a damper with a crank bolt from a local hard ware store this is frequently the result, that or stripped crank threads, ID strongly suggest use of the correct Damper tool, and use of ARP crank bolts once its properly installed

damperbolt.jpg



next time BUY AND USE AN ARP BRAND BOLT
I,ve generally found that if you've stripped the SBC crank snout threads the best answer is to drill and re-thread to the standard and larger BBC crank snout bolt threads size

918999.jpg

balancerdepth.jpg

accurately measure the internal damper and the external crank snout diameter
damppic1.jpg

damppic2.jpg

Measure the crank-snout diameter with a micrometer (above left). Ours measured 1.600 inch, which is right on spec. Then use a dial-bore gauge to determine the inside diameter of the Fluidampr damper (below). Ours came in 1.599-inch, resulting in a .001-inch interference fit. This is the right amount of clearance to provide a good snug fit on the crankshaft, but still be able to install and remove without difficulty. Another method of measuring the damper hub ID of your is with a snap gauge (above right). After setting the gauge, the micrometer is used to to determine the final measurement. In this case, the same measurement as the dial bore gage was reached.
http://www.enginebuildermag.com/Article ... stons.aspx
http://www.arp-bolts.com/

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-134-2501/

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-234-2503/

viewtopic.php?f=53&t=1798&hilit=damper

viewtopic.php?f=53&t=1480&hilit=+damper

viewtopic.php?f=53&t=1798
if your current crank bolt is an ARP bolt, heres the dimensions,
keep in mind a bolt threaded in steel should have 1.5 times its diam. MINIMUM in the threads before the bolt starts to draw or tighten or clamp and TWICE its diam. in the threads is better as a minimum to prevent stripped threads, and remember the bolt should never be allowed to bottom out in the crank snout threads and tighten against the bottom of the drilled hole either
arpbalancerbolt.jpg

tool_tap.jpg

Summit Racing Part Number ARP-134-2501

Thread Size 7/16-20 RH in.
Underhead Length (in) 2.470 in.
Head Style 12-point
Washer Included Yes
Fastener Yield Strength (psi) 200,000 psi
Fastener Material Chromemoly
Fastener Finish Black oxide
Quantity Sold individually.
Notes Features 5/8 in. socket size.

One tough bolt.

As the crankshaft flexes, the damper absorbs incredible amounts of energy. These damper bolt kits from ARP will ensure that your balancer is locked into position. They feature a 1/4 in. thick wide-area washer and an extra tall 12-point head that accepts a deep socket to eliminate the fear of stripping the head.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ARP-134-2501/

now you can probably re-tap the current threads and use a longer bolt and get by for now, but drilling it with the correct larger drill diam. and re-threading for the big block Chevy bolt is the more common route taken once you strip crank threads
viewtopic.php?f=53&t=1480&p=6221&hilit=stripped+crank#p6221

viewtopic.php?f=53&t=1798&p=5680&hilit=stripped+crank#p5680
there is supposed to be about a .0001 -.0002 INTERFERENCE fit! so the damper has far less tendency to spin on the crank snout or work the woodriff key loose, you can generally polish the crank snout, and internal damper hole with a flap wheel and 400 grit sand paper enough to get a smoother surface, then, place the damper in boiling water to heat and expand it and oil its mating surface, use the correct damper installation tool, pick the damper up with oven mitts so you don,t get burned, use the tool to install it
Cranksnoutdimensions1.jpg

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/otc-6505

I,ve generally found that if you've stripped the SBC crank snout threads the best answer is to drill and re-thread to the standard and larger BBC crank snout bolt threads size



Crank%20bolt%20006aa.jpg



dampert5.jpg

dampert1.jpg

dampert2.jpg


CrankltHub.jpg
LtHub.jpg

lt1hubv.png

https://www.nookandtranny.com/Info_LT1.html
otc-6505_w

plewsoilm.jpg

these tools work well, fit most engines and if you do break off a thread adapter you can order a replacement without needing to pay for the whole new tool, and keep in mind the threads strip or adapters break if the dampers OVER TIGHTENED,ALL TOOLS WILL BREAK IF OVER STRESSED, this CAN generally be avoided with simply taking a few accurate measurements and use of some marvel mystery oil on the damper, crank and the installing tool threads
Yes I busted one thread adapter years back , but it was a P.I.T.A. waiting on a replacement and I learned not to over tighten the tool, and watch carefully on the measurements and have not had that happen for 30 plus years keeping the tool and damper and crank snout well lubed makes it slide on easier
measuring and checking the interference fits correct helps
damppic1.jpg

damppic2.jpg

ctrp-1211-quality-damper-installation-shock-absorber-07.jpg

read thru these threads, for info on seating a damper and re-threading a stripped crank
dampertool.jpg



Crank%20bolt%20006aa.jpg



dampert5.jpg

dampert1.jpg

dampert2.jpg


CrankltHub.jpg
LtHub.jpg

lt1hubv.png

https://www.nookandtranny.com/Info_LT1.html
otc-6505_w

plewsoilm.jpg

these tools work well, fit most engines and if you do break off a thread adapter you can order a replacement without needing to pay for the whole new tool, and keep in mind the threads strip or adapters break if the dampers OVER TIGHTENED,ALL TOOLS WILL BREAK IF OVER STRESSED, this CAN generally be avoided with simply taking a few accurate measurements and use of some marvel mystery oil on the damper, crank and the installing tool threads
Yes I busted one thread adapter years back , but it was a P.I.T.A. waiting on a replacement and I learned not to over tighten the tool, and watch carefully on the measurements and have not had that happen for 30 plus years keeping the tool and damper and crank snout well lubed makes it slide on easier
measuring and checking the interference fits correct helps
damppic1.jpg

damppic2.jpg

ctrp-1211-quality-damper-installation-shock-absorber-07.jpg

read thru these threads, for info on seating a damper and re-threading a stripped crank
 
Last edited by a moderator:
the main problem , in fact the only problem,I see is getting access to the crank with a drill ,if the engines currently mounted in the car, for you to re-drill and re-tap (re-cut the threads to a larger size)in the end of the crank for a longer bolt in the crank to hold the damper in place.
Ive seen several SMALL BLOCKS , that had been (UPGRADED) to the longer and larger big block damper bolts when previous damage made use of the original bolts a non-option as the cranks threads were too badly damaged
 
so the big block bolt is also longer then the small block?
well i rather use the same size bolt with a different thread so i wont screw anything up ha.

do they make balancer bolts with any tread size?
 
any decent bolt supply store ,even most large hardware stores sell a wide selection of both S.A.E and metric thread GRADE #8 bolts that could be used in the application, just try to keep the diam. as small as you can to maximize the strength of the crank as the damper oscillating and harmonics will cause problems if you significantly weaken the crank. and try to have the bolt threads be about 2.25"-2.5" in depth

welsh619 said:
Learned something yesterday that i couldnt find the answer to, hopefully this will save someone else a headache. This is BHJ #CH-IB-623, 7" internal balance BBC. The first picture shows it completely installed but thinking and being told that it should be on further i broke my friends installer. After removing it and comparing it to a stock markIV balancer i found out why. The second picture "B" is exactly the same but "A" is smaller than factory making it about 3/4" from my cloyes cover when installed. In the third picture "A" is about half of what it is on a stock balancer so instead of the nose of the crank coming to about .050-.060 from the step its actually about 3/8". The important part here is that (and this is per wolfpace) "B" (from the crank snout to the balancer face) should be .580 Hope this helps someone in the future, take care.
dampra1.jpg

dampra2.jpg


dampra2v.jpg


dampra3.jpg


http://www.summitracing.com/parts/otc-6505
otc-6505_w

plewsoilm.jpg

these tools work well, fit most engines and if you do break off a thread adapter you can order a replacement without needing to pay for the whole new tool, and keep in mind the threads strip or adapters break if the dampers OVER TIGHTENED,ALL TOOLS WILL BREAK IF OVER STRESSED, this CAN generally be avoided with simply taking a few accurate measurements and use of some marvel mystery oil on the damper, crank and the installing tool threads
Yes I busted one thread adapter years back , but it was a P.I.T.A. waiting on a replacement and I learned not to over tighten the tool, and watch carefully on the measurements and have not had that happen for 30 plus years keeping the tool and damper and crank snout well lubed makes it slide on easier
measuring and checking the interference fits correct helps
damppic1.jpg

damppic2.jpg

ctrp-1211-quality-damper-installation-shock-absorber-07.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
ok thanks.. what would be a good size thread bolt to use now to keep the diam small? and what drill bit should i use.
 
fast84vette said:
ok thanks.. this can be done while its still in the car?

the answer depends on the access and clearance you have for use of a drill , if you have the room is do-able
of course having the correct tools helps
90degdrill.gif

tapwrench.jpg
 
O.k so you don't feel all alone here...I also stripped my crank bolt recently, tapped hole to 1/2 inch I used a different sized(Thick) washer to compensate for length difference remember these are Fine thread bolts.Good Luck!
 
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