Broken Bolt on trim cylinder - how to replace?

[Scag]

I sheered the head of this bolt and I need to know 1. A good way to get this bolt out of there and 2. How to id the exact size I will need for a replacement. Outside of taking one of the other ones into a hardware store and eyeing the best match, what are my options? See pic below. Thanks in advance!

This is an alpha 1, gen II outdrive

 

[acuraguy81]

Re: Broken Bolt on trim cylinder - how to replace?

I would try an easy out or a reverse drill bit "counter rotating bit"

 

[superbenk]

Re: Broken Bolt on trim cylinder - how to replace?

If you remove the other bolt, does that cap come off over the remaining broken bolt? If so, can you get a pair of vice-grips to clamp on to the broken bolt & twist it out?

 

[Scag]

Re: Broken Bolt on trim cylinder - how to replace?

If you remove the other bolt, does that cap come off over the remaining broken bolt? If so, can you get a pair of vice-grips to clamp on to the broken bolt & twist it out?

I tried that after I made the post, but the bolt is wedged in there pretty good. I tried to use a dremel cutting disc to make a slot for a screw driver, but that didnt work (couldn't get enough torque on the bot without further breaking it). So next I'll try a counter rotating bit I guess.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Broken Bolt on trim cylinder - how to replace?

That's not a cap, that's a zinc or aluminum anode. Take the other bolt off and it'll drop into your hand. Then you may be able to get a pair of vise-grips on the broken off bolt. Put some SERIOUS heat on it before you try to turn it. Those are small #10-32 x 5/8" bolts, if it twisted the bolt head off you're not going to get it out with a screwdriver slot. They're also REAL small to even think about using an easy-out on.

If you can't get vise-grips on it when you take the anode off, you might as well count on carefully drilling out the broken bolt and re-tapping the threads.

 

[Scag]

Re: Broken Bolt on trim cylinder - how to replace?

That's not a cap, that's a zinc or aluminum anode. Take the other bolt off and it'll drop into your hand. Then you may be able to get a pair of vise-grips on the broken off bolt. Put some SERIOUS heat on it before you try to turn it. Those are small #10-32 x 5/8" bolts, if it twisted the bolt head off you're not going to get it out with a screwdriver slot. They're also REAL small to even think about using an easy-out on.

If you can't get vise-grips on it when you take the anode off, you might as well count on carefully drilling out the broken bolt and re-tapping the threads.

ah yes, good idea with the heat. My neighbor has a small torch. I'll try that and a loosening agent and go round 2 with the vise grips. I'll let you all know what happens!

 

[Scag]

Re: Broken Bolt on trim cylinder - how to replace?

You know on second thought....I think i'm going to pass up on the heating w/ a torch option because when you remove that "anode", there is a rubber or plastic seal in between the trim and the metal housing the bolt sits in....i'm afaid the heat will melt or ruin the seal.


Called my neighbor and he thinks he has a different form of vice grips that will work. We'll see. :redface:

 

[Scag]

Re: Broken Bolt on trim cylinder - how to replace?

UPDATE*

I got some pb blaster from carquest and sprayed it on once. Let it sit for a few minutes and then used a better pair of vice grips. Came off like a charm! Now i'm going to go to HD tonight to see if I can find a suitable replacement. Going to replace both bolts on that side while i'm at it and i'll probably buy some spares.

Thanks for the help everyone.

 

[GopherBaroque]

Re: Broken Bolt on trim cylinder - how to replace?

I sheered the head of this bolt and I need to know a good way to get this bolt out of there

I'm glad your story ended well. I recently dealt with the same thing on a 1994 trim cylinder. As mentioned, removing the other bolt and anode gave something to grip. I also used small Vice-Grips (original brand, which have "grippier" jaws than the cheap knock-offs) for twisting the bolt. I also soaked the bolt overnight with Kroil before using much force. The main additions I want to add to this thread is:

a) use enough squeeze on the bolt to avoid slippage
b) start gentle and add more force gradually
c) wiggle the wrench back and forth, not just torque in the "undo" direction.

I like to use lots of (c) and more penetrant oil after I get the smallest movement from the bolt, gradually transitioning to more and more "unwind". In the particular case here, the broken bolt backed out easily once it had broken free of the aluminum corrosion locking it to the cap.

On the other hand, the worst outcome isn't the end of the world as it is not too dear to simply remove the cap from the cylinder assembly and replace it with a fresh one.

 

[Don S]

Re: Broken Bolt on trim cylinder - how to replace?

Welcome to iboats Gopher, please pay attention to the red warning bar and the forum rules about replying to old threads.
This one is from 2010 and has been dead for years, and the original poster hasn't been around since 2011.