Stuck Bolts

[divo]

I have read several posts on here about frozen/stuck bolts on outboards . I have a question....do the manufacturers apply an anti-sieze compound to anything while being assembled? If so, Why isnt it working. If not, why not? Thanks

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Stuck Bolts

I can not answer your first question but can give an opinion on the second. Even if an anti sieze is applied it will lose its effectiveness over several years with the constant changes in temperature and conditions it is put through.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Stuck Bolts

As far as I know, manufacturers did not apply anti seize. I don't know if this is still true. However, antiseize takes time to apply properly and costs money--so bottom line it wasn't applied. They don't care if after warranty you cannot get the engine apart.

They do, however, apply anaerobic sealant to some critical bolts.

I have a buddy that assembles everything with Vaseline--he swears by it. Me? I assemble all bolts with permatex grey anti seize. I've had good results with it. Others use waterproof grease. And I'm sure everyone on this BB has an opinion.

The usual reason for stuck bolts is corrosion. Aluminum corrosion has about ten times the volume of the mass metal so in threaded holes it grips the fastener so tightly that you will either break the fastener at or near the head (Most likely result) or strip the hole. Anti seize, to be effective must coat 100% of all holes and threaded fasteners. Even a small gap will let corrosion start. And this is not just a salt water problem; It happens in fresh too.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Stuck Bolts

I'm dis-assemblying a 50-year old motor and have had absolutely no problems with seized bolts. I don't think it's ever been dis-assembled before, but it was a fresh water motor. Good Karma, huh?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Stuck Bolts

More luck than I'll ever have

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Stuck Bolts

Hey BoatBuoy, Is that motor a J/E? My '58 Fat Fifty seemed to have a good aluminum alloy, plus the SS bolts, made it easy to disassemble, and I used it in salt water for several seasons. Also the manufacturer asked that it not be flushed after saltwater use. Go figure.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Stuck Bolts

Not discussed but related. I maintain farm machinery that dates from current to as far back as the '50's. It would be impossible without an impact wrench.

When you get ready to remove your bolts, soak 'rm good in penetrating oil (as best you can) and get on them with an impact wrench.

Be sure and set the impact intensity accordingly for the bolt size.

Where you have an unaccessible nut then a wrench and hammer can suffice. Just something about impacting getting things loose whereas steady pressure will just break the thing.

Hey Chris, why do you suppose they suggested the opposite of what common sense would lead you to believe?

Mark

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Stuck Bolts

Forgot something.

If you think you will be back in there later on, you can put antisieze on your bolts prior to reinstallation. Locktite not only locks but functions as antisieze also. Just get the blue or lesser intensity if you choose to remove later. Makes insertion easier too.

You can go to a farm store and get Molybdmum (spelling) dry lube in a quart can (green I use) . Dip the screws in it prior to installing. Also there is a lube especially for spark plug threads that could suffice for bolts and nuts. With these two you really should know and follow the recommended torque specs to insure that they don't back out later.

I do know that Cadmium plating on steel bolts functions as an antisieze but most marine bolts are SS and as others stated, I don't think they are coated. If so, it must be clear.

HTH

Mark

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Stuck Bolts

I use gasket compound on bolts that I know I will be removing fairly soon (Lower unit, Etc). I understand that some compounds may throw off the torque reading too...

 

[tommays]

Re: Stuck Bolts

In saltwater some sealers like silver never-sieze are like locktite only worse :devil:

Generaly a littel bit of water carrys in minerals that stay behind over time they build up and pinch the bolt to the point you need HEAT to get it apart

A lot of the time old saltwater stuff is just not going to come apart without knowing which parts are the cheepest ones to destroy to save something


In a freshwater area i would not think you would be haveing problems ?

Tommays

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Stuck Bolts

Mark, I think J/E recommended that the motors not be flushed because their design made the fabrication of a flush device difficult( just a guess), and the materials used in fabrication, made flushing less important.

I do know that all the bolts and screws on the motor were SS or brass, and all the fittings were cast aluminum or brass, so the corrosion factor was much less than my Merc, which has lots of steel bolts.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Stuck Bolts

Thanks Chris. On the Merc moronship, I vividly remember the days before they figured out that the prop and driveshaft need to be SS, not carbon steel. Omc figured that out from day 1 but Merc must have thought that they had a better idea.........yeah right.

Mark