Stripped Starter Bolt on Kubota TG1860

[RequnixTX]

I accidentally stripped the lower bolt on the starter for a Kubota TG1860. Luckily, the backside is where the threads are - the starter hole isn't threaded nor is the plate.



The problem is I don't know how to get that bolt out to replace it. There's no room to get any meaningful torque (e.g. screwdriver and hammer hitting it out) on the backside.

I tried leveraging pliers and other things, but none are enough force to let the screw back out.

The core issue is there's no room to move. As you can see in the right picture there's an object blocking direct access to the bolt, so I can't put a punch in there and hammer it.

Any recommendations on how to get it out?

Thanks!

 

[Jsjac]

Does the hole ho all the way through the aluminum? Could you use a longer bolt and nut?

 

[Runs With Scissors]

Now when you say “stripped” that can mean a few different things.

I am presuming that the nut spinning and you cant hold it?

I would start by continually soaking it with some sort of penetrating oil, probably for a day or so. Just keep the can near it, and every hour or 2 spray it down again as you are walking by.

I have some Kroil in a can, but often use PB Blaster as well.

Then a combination of heat (acetylene torch) and vice grips would be my first try. Get it “cherry red” then grab it with the vice grips and try to back it off.

If you have a MIG welder, you could try to weld on a “handle” to the nut and then back it off?…….or try to tack weld the nut to the plate then back it out.

The combo of pentrating oil and heat might be enough.

After that, I would cut it off with my torch(angle grinder), either the head, or the nut depending on the surroundings/situation. Last resort, but I have had to do it.


It goes without saying, but be careful of the surroundings catching on fire. Have an extinguisher handy, and be “EXTRA CAREFUL OF ANY GASOLINE” nearby.

Good luck

 

[sdodder]

Good morning- you've gotten some good advice so far. I myself am no stranger to the "stripped fastener" problem. I think you need to add some more information about what and where. Steel bolt threaded into aluminum is much different from steel bolt threaded into a steel nut! And access to everything is key-

 

[Bee-Positive]

Hold the head of the bolt (starter side) with a box wrench or other appropriate means, use a chisel to split the nut off the bolt. Done that countless times for exhaust systems.

 

[RequnixTX]

Does the hole ho all the way through the aluminum? Could you use a longer bolt and nut?

Yes, luckily - when I get this bolt out, I can replace it with a slightly longer one and a new bolt.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

If I understanding your situation correctly and the bolt is still through the started it's just that bolt is stripped or the weld nut is stripped.

Loosen the top bolt of the starter, use something to wedge between the starter and the mounting plate, snug up the top bolt, then try and remove the bottom bolt.
Repeat increasing the shim size, till you can get the bolt out.
Then drill the hole then get a little longer bolt and a nut.

If you can't get the bolt to come out, cut off the weld nut and bolt.
Plasma torch is the easiest along with a regular torch or use a long metal cutting sawzall blade.

 

[lmichael]

That looks more like the weld nut. That shouldn't be turning anyway. IIRC it's welded to the back side. I don't recall having to deal with a nut when I replaced the starter on my G2160 similar engine

 

[Russell King]

Here is what I would try:

Find out if the nut is rotating with the bolt by trying to loosen the bolt and looking at the nut.
If the nut is rotating, grab the nut on the flats with a good pair of ”channel lock” pliers and then try to loosen the bolt as you hold the nut. You might be able to get the nut steady with an open ended wrench instead of pliers.

If that is not the problem or that does not work I would cut the nut into pieces along the length of the bolt using my dremel type tool, cutoff wheels, safety glasses and leather gloves. Go slowly and use a steady hand. Then use a cold chisel and hammer to break it out if needed. Or use a “nut buster“ if there is room.