Broken bolt on Mercruiser Alpha One Gimbal anode

[vetting]

Was replacing a really corroded Mercruiser Alpha One Gimbal anode and one of the bolts just snapped right off with very little pressure on it. I tried and easy out....and you can guess what happened - the thing snapped right off inside the bolt. So now I'm stuck. Should I just replace the entire hose union assembly? Its called the trim manifold right? Can it even be replaced without ripping a bunch of stuff apart? Is this the part number? 98825A

 

[Robert D]

Re: Broken bolt on Mercruiser Alpha One Gimbal anode

By the looks of it, I'm thinking the broken bolt in question only goes into the trim manifold, and not beyond it? If so, I'd remove the trim manifold, clean it up, drill out the broken bolt from behind on a drill press....maybe use a helicoil to maintain original threads. Or perhaps go up a size in the threads, but you'd have to enlarge the holes on the anode as well.

Worst part of it looks to be losing some fluid. Note: Using stainless helicoil inserts and stainless bolts should prevent this from happening again. If you go that route, I'd do both holes the same.

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: Broken bolt on Mercruiser Alpha One Gimbal anode

You can either drill the bolt out or replace the manifold.But either way you have to seal the small hole in the middle of the manifold. The zinc and a small gasket seals this area.

 

[vetting]

Re: Broken bolt on Mercruiser Alpha One Gimbal anode

I ended up getting a new manifold and 2 new gaskets (1 for each side of the plate). I have 5 of the hoses undone - have to get a thinner set of flare nut wrenches for the last one. Stupid fitting on the hose is too close to the nut and cant get the flare nut wrench on it. Its on there pretty good and dont want to round it off with a normal wrench. Why does working on mercruisers always involve buying more tools every time you go to do a simple project?

 

[Chef Shawn]

Re: Broken bolt on Mercruiser Alpha One Gimbal anode

"Mercruiser" and "simple project" are rarely used in the same sentence on my planet. Much like "boat" and "inexpensive".

 

[saltydogjeff]

Re: Broken bolt on Mercruiser Alpha One Gimbal anode

At least you learn the "ins" and "outs" of your engine. Kind of like the rabbit in the hole.

 

[Robert D]

Re: Broken bolt on Mercruiser Alpha One Gimbal anode

I ended up getting a new manifold and 2 new gaskets (1 for each side of the plate). I have 5 of the hoses undone - have to get a thinner set of flare nut wrenches for the last one. Stupid fitting on the hose is too close to the nut and cant get the flare nut wrench on it. Its on there pretty good and dont want to round it off with a normal wrench. Why does working on mercruisers always involve buying more tools every time you go to do a simple project?

That's when you go to Harbor Freight, but the $14 flare nut wrench set,and grind down the one you need so it's thinner. Then toss it in your box of Mercury 'specialty tools.'

 

[grarrsmi]

Re: Broken bolt on Mercruiser Alpha One Gimbal anode

"Mercruiser" and "simple project" are rarely used in the same sentence on my planet. Much like "boat" and "inexpensive".

When you go from an OMC to a Mercruiser than the Mercruisers look easy to work on.

 

[Chef Shawn]

Re: Broken bolt on Mercruiser Alpha One Gimbal anode

When you go from an OMC to a Mercruiser than the Mercruisers look easy to work on.

LOL! Never had the pleasure/displeasure to work on an OMC. I'll take your word on it

That's when you go to Harbor Freight, but the $14 flare nut wrench set,and grind down the one you need so it's thinner. Then toss it in your box of Mercury 'specialty tools.

Mercruiser Specialty Tools: Cheap 9/16" Wrench bent back to 45 degrees so you can tighten the distributor....