Broken Anode Bolt

jkimball

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 14, 2013
Messages
220
I have a '99 Johnson 115 and last week I dropped the lower unit to replace the water pump.
I figured while I had it all apart this would be the opportune time to replace the thermostats, fuel filter, lower unit fluid and anode.
Well, aside from the nut looking part of a thermostat housing cover breaking (which I have ordered, and waiting to be delivered) and finding a broken thermostat spring (again, waiting to be delivered) everything went smoothly until I got to replacing the anode.
I just bought the boat in April, and for the most part it appears to be pretty well maintained, but I don't think the anode has been replaced so I figured what better time than when it's apart.
When I put a wrench on it to spin it loose, the head of the bolt broke off and now I can't figure out how to remove it.
It's still in place and in contact, but it wiggles a little. It's not as tight as it was.
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get this out? The head of the bolt is sheared off almost flush with the bottom of the lower unit.
 

smokeonthewater

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 3, 2009
Messages
9,838
Re: Broken Anode Bolt

is this a trim tab type anode where the bolt goes through the lower unit and threads into the anode?
if so I'd try using a punch to try and knock it apart.
 

Bosunsmate

Admiral
Joined
Apr 7, 2012
Messages
6,135
Re: Broken Anode Bolt

pics would be good, but if its the one that you can see from the side of the leg, drill out the anode and then heat the housing around it and vice grip it out,
 

jkimball

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 14, 2013
Messages
220
Re: Broken Anode Bolt

Sorry guys. I would love to upload pics, but since I posted we have found ourselves in the hospital with my wife's water broken waiting patiently on our new addition to come. So it's going to be a long night with a little idle time.

But in answer to some if the questions it is the one that is visible from the side if the leg, about a 1"x2" square. It bolts through the bottom of the leg and through the anode.
Are you saying to drill the old one off then grip it from the side with vice grips to remove?
 

Bosunsmate

Admiral
Joined
Apr 7, 2012
Messages
6,135
Re: Broken Anode Bolt

Nice use of the word idle.
Yes thats what i would try, not that ive ever had to do it. I always put a bit of marine grease on it.
Good luck with the birth, i definitely cant give advice there!
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: Broken Anode Bolt

Try taking a good sharp cold chisel, BFH and break the anode up.
 

Boatdoc58

Seaman
Joined
Dec 12, 2013
Messages
69
Re: Broken Anode Bolt

HOW DARE SHE !!! Doesn't she know that you are having problems with your motor ?:lol:
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
Re: Broken Anode Bolt

My oh my. We might be able to fix outboards, but we know nothing about childbirth. Chisels, BFHs, Marine Grease! :faint2::eek:

j - Good luck and hoping for a smooth, tool-less launch. See you postpartum, Daddy. :joyous:
 

smokeonthewater

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 3, 2009
Messages
9,838
Re: Broken Anode Bolt

whatever you do make sure you don't break a wine bottle over the new one LOL
 

durban

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 27, 2011
Messages
894
Re: Broken Anode Bolt

tig weld the inside diameter of a washer to the stud then tig weld a nut to the washer while its still hot pean it with a small hamer then turn it out
 
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