Tommorow I'm going over to a forum member's place who kindly offered to help me replace my starter (since I so carefully damaged the bolt last time I tried...). Thing is, the damaged bolt shouldn't be reused if I can help it, so I need a replacement. Unfortunately I haven't been able to secure one in time.

Can anyone tell me the size, pitch and length of the main starter bolts on the 617 engine so I can pick up a replacement bolt somewhere locally? My guess is M12, 1.5mm pitch, and something like 3-4" long? Sound about right?

Thanks!

peace,
Sam

__________________
"That f***in' biodiesel is makin' me hungry."

1982 300TD Astral Silver w/ 250k (BIO BNZ)
2001 Aprilia SR50 Corsa Red w/ 5.5k (>100 MPG)

I think you are correct on the size. 3" length seems to be about the number.

Make sure you find socket head cap screws. They will have the required hardness to prevent stripping the heads. Also, use some anti-seize on the threads. The M/B bolts are cadmium plated to limit corrosion. Plain SHCS don't have this benefit.

Great, thanks Brian!

I'll see what I can find at some local shops... If I can't find the officially correct bolt, I'll just get what I can, use some antisieze, won't torque them down too hard, and expect to replace them when I can get the dealership to order me an official set, they shouldn't be hard to get back out for replacement if they aren't in long.

peace,
sam

__________________
"That f***in' biodiesel is makin' me hungry."

1982 300TD Astral Silver w/ 250k (BIO BNZ)
2001 Aprilia SR50 Corsa Red w/ 5.5k (>100 MPG)

If you find some socket head cap screws and put some anti-seize on the threads and some grease in the head when you are done, they will go the distance.

You don't need to purchase the very costly M/B bolts and do the job twice. Your only concern is corrosion on the threads and corrosion of the head where the hex bit fits.