1988 35HP Merc transom clamps

[joe_barnney]

I was just handed down a Bass Tracker Pro 17 from my brother. It has a Mercury
35HP motor, serial # 0B342115, and both transom clamp are busted. Any body
know a good place to get a pair of clamps?

 

[carholme]

Re: 1988 35HP Merc transom clamps

Joe;

Here is the parts list for your engine where you can get the p/ns for the clamps but they are NLA. With the p/ns, you can start searching ebay etc.

http://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury-outboard/334.cfm

Gerry

 

[joe_barnney]

Re: 1988 35HP Merc transom clamps

Thanks for the info. Gerry. It looks like quite a few a the pats are NLA.

 

[carholme]

Re: 1988 35HP Merc transom clamps

Joe;

Yes but there is a big aftermarket out there. I will have a look as well and if I find anything, I'll let you know.

Gerry

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: 1988 35HP Merc transom clamps

Do you have Pics of the busted parts?

 

[joe_barnney]

Re: 1988 35HP Merc transom clamps

Attached are a couple pictures of one side. The other looks about the same condition.View attachment 82313View attachment 82314

 

[joe_barnney]

Re: 1988 35HP Merc transom clamps

Hey Gerry,
is there aftermarket clamps? Or other anternatives?

 

[carholme]

Re: 1988 35HP Merc transom clamps

Joe;

Not sure about aftermarket parts. You can sure see from the pictures why the clamps failed. When you remove those bolts, you will probably find a square portion underneath the head. These look a lot like carriage bolts which shouldn't be used there.

If they were my clamps, I would see if a good welder could tack them back together and then I would use a solid bar with holes drilled to match the width of the clamp hole centrelines and install that over the clamps with the new bolts going through the bar, the clamps and the transom.

You might have to use a crossbar, thick enough to enable slots to be cut to match the portion of the clamp above the bolt holes where the clamp protrudes out rearwards.

Thoughts from others??

Gerry

Does this make any sense

 

[joe_barnney]

Re: 1988 35HP Merc transom clamps

Gerry,
I'm not sure the metal used for the clamps are weldable cause it looks like they are cast iron. Does any body know if they are?
Not sure I really understand what you mean with the bar but it does sound like a good idea.

Joe

 

[carholme]

Re: 1988 35HP Merc transom clamps

Joe;

Not familiar with those particular clamps but I doubt they are cast iron. I believe most are aluminum alloys similar to the old dural 2017, now 2024.

The bar idea is something to allow you to use the boat until you find a set of replacement clamps, and to prevent having to drill more holes in the transom. The bar would probably outlast the boat anyway.

If we cannot find a set of clamps, I'll be glad to talk to you on the phone or email you a rough drawing of the bar idea.

Gerry

 

[carholme]

Re: 1988 35HP Merc transom clamps

Joe;

Where are you located?

Gerry

 

[joe_barnney]

Re: 1988 35HP Merc transom clamps

Located in Calif. I think I found the clamp I needed at one of the local boat yards. I should have it by end of week.
Currently the boat uses an Autoblend II for automatic oil injection into the fuel. Is this a good system or
should I disconnect it and just go with manual mixing?

Joe

 

[carholme]

Re: 1988 35HP Merc transom clamps

Joe;

Glad you found the parts. Most of the people I know in my area disconnect it simply because of the risk. On some, the system seems to go quite well but for the unfortunate ones it is over in a big hurry.

Gerry

 

[joe_barnney]

Re: 1988 35HP Merc transom clamps

Yup, most of the forums I have search recommend disconnecting the autoblend unit. Although it has been working since 1988 I think I will take heed and use the manual method.