MGB-GT Bolts for INERTIA STARTER on 1966 MGB GT

[CJ Burton]

Trying to bolt on my rebuilt Mark 1 starter and find that the bolt heads are hard up against the body of the starter and won't turn. Are there special small head bolts for this application (and lock/spring washers) that would work? Or is this an odd starter case?

 

[equiprx]

Trying to bolt on my rebuilt Mark 1 starter and find that the bolt heads are hard up against the body of the starter and won't turn. Are there special small head bolts for this application (and lock/spring washers) that would work? Or is this an odd starter case?
View attachment 97366
View attachment 97367

Just get some Allan head bolts from your nearest hardware store.

 

[CJ Burton]

Thanks, I should have thought of that - but I doubt the orginal had Allan Head Bolts. All I need now is an extra small lock/spring washer to go with it.

 

[PAUL161]

Looks like the front plate is new, if it is, and possibly after market the bolt holes might be slightly narrower than they are on the original. Measure the distance between the bolt holes and compare them to another starter or front plate - (bearing carrier).

 

[CJ Burton]

There are numbers on the starter front plate - can anyone identify it as aftermarket?

 

[CJ Burton]

Should also mention that the holes line up with the engine backplate perfectly.

 

[PAUL161]

According to my records, the proper bolts for your setup are, 10-1.5mm 1 inch long with a 5/16 Whitworth head . Your bolts don't appear to be the right ones. ?? PJ

 

[CJ Burton]

Thanks, I have ordered the correct bolts and washers from MGOC - hopefully they will work

 

[CJ Burton]

New bolts and washers have arrived and yes they do work. The secret is in the special washers.

 

[welove3]

According to my records, the proper bolts for your setup are, 10-1.5mm 1 inch long with a 5/16 Whitworth head . Your bolts don't appear to be the right ones. ?? PJ

All BMC B-series engines use Unified fasteners, not Metric or BSF/W. Because the starter bolts actually screw into the aluminium gearbox casing, they are course thread 3/8-18. I think the issue here is the wider-than-needed spring washer. Thinner washers are available, but may require a bit of an expedition to locate.

 

[Grantura_MKI]

Use AN washers.
That starter was manufactured the eighth month of 1955…probably off of a TF.

 

[Randy Forbes]

For the record, those special lock washers are referred to as "high-collar" lock washers. I don't know if they were specifically made for use with (narrower) Allen head fasteners, buts that's where you'll most frequently find them, if a lock washer was fitted.

I hope you've had your starter fitted when you last posted, so you could enjoy the last of the driving season in your area, but had I seen this sooner, I would've suggested these 12-point head bolts,; biggest advantage is they use a 12-pt 3/8" socket (ideal for working in crowded spaces with limited access, using smaller tools). McMaster Carr sells them; I just grabbed this 2" long bolt, comes in pkg of 25 for $15.69.

These are REALLY GREAT for the header bolts on a MGB/V8 swap!

Flange head, so washer optional, though another application for the high-collar type.