12 pt bolt in the bilge - 2001 Mercruiser 3.0

[malfar]

I just found a 12pt bolt in my bilge. I've looked all over and can't figure out where it came from. I've found a few 12 pts that hold varous mounting brackets on the engine. but I can't find anywhere that seems to be missing one. Anyone have any ideas? Are there any on the back (bellhousing side} of the motor or in any other place that aren't readily visible.

Thanks

 

[flipbro]

Exhaust tube were it bolts to gimble housing

 

[fishrdan]

Exhaust tube were it bolts to gimble housing

^^^ Yup....

 

[Rick Stephens]

You might get a phone in there and snap a picture.

 

[malfar]

Need more help - I'm a car guy, but have never really messed with sterndrives - I've tried to find a picture or something on the internet. but for the life of me I don't know where the exhaust tube is or how to get to it. Help me guys...

Thanks

 

[Fishermark]

Not the best picture... but here's one of my project boats with the engine out. The big pipe you see is the exhaust pipe. It is bolted in with the 12 point bolts you mention.

 

[malfar]

I think I figured out the exhaust tube - coming off the engine exhaust there is a pipe with a couple of rubber sections - then at the bottom the part large cast pipe going into the gimball. That would be the exhaust tube - correct - I can get my hand down on the port side and feel one bolt head - but I can seem to get to this pipe anywhere else than from there. How many bolts does it have and is it even possible to get to them all?

 

[malfar]

dn't see your picture before my last post . Thanks, for the picture - it helps a lot - that is where I thought it was. I think I had my fingers a bolt on the bottom of the pipe. Is it even possible to get to the rest of the bolts with the engine in place? Should there be 3 or 4 bolts?

Thanks

 

[Fishermark]

There are variations on the bolt placement that I have seen - but you will have at least four. Here's pic of a transom assembly with the pipe removed:

 

[malfar]

I've been doing some contorsions - feels like it is the top on that is out. I can feel a hole up there anyway. Not sure how to get the bolt back in - going to try sticking it in the end of piece of plastic tubing and seeing if I can wiggle it in and get it started - then try to get a socket on it. If anyone has some advice on getting it back in - sure would appreciate it.

Thanks

 

[Bondo]

If anyone has some advice on getting it back in - sure would appreciate it.

Ayuh,.... I've never installed one, unless the motor was outa the way,....

That connection is darn tight, 'n W aa yyy down there,....

 

[malfar]

It's the top one - got it in easy enough with a piece of hose - but - can't get a socket on it to turn it. Guess I will be running without it and hoping that bad things don't happen!

Maybe take it to the local garage one of these days and see if they can get it tightented up

 

[harleyman1975]

Well I'd think that plan over a bit. (If) that exhaust tube were to come loose it is a 3" hole straight to the sea. Just sayin'

 

[Rick Stephens]

And if you break the ears on that aluminum exhaust pipe it will set you back a few more c notes.

 

[Speak]

If you managed to start the bolt with the hose as you mention try this.Put something sticky (black dum dum) inside the socket you are using. then use an assortment of long ass 1/4 drive extentions connected together and see if you can put the ratchet on next to the engine mount or where ever you get turning clearance.

 

[Fishermark]

If it were me, I would pull the engine and see what is going on. I've never heard of one of those bolts simply backing out on their own for no reason. And if it simply got missed and not tightened, then I would question what the other ones are like. Plus, unless you have clearance issues, the engine is very easy to pull out.