Clamping ring VP 280

[fish_guts]

Hey all... Just replaced the engine in my boat, 85 Bayliner, 5.7 followed by a VP280 drive. While putting on the clamping ring, one of the bolts snapped. My question is will the remaining 5 bolts be sufficient? Or am I going to have to pull the engine and get the busted bolt out?

Thanks in advance,
Fish_guts

 

[kenny nunez]

Did the bolt break off flush with the adapter housing? If not there may be enough left to remove it with some vice grips with the ring removed or weld a nut to what is left on the broken piece.

 

[fish_guts]

Unfortunately, it broke about 1/4 inch into the flywheel cover.

 

[kenny nunez]

If the bolt was turning easy and did not “bottom out” before it broke you could try a left hand drill bit with a guide to keep the bit centered it will back out. Otherwise if you cannot get it out the other 5 should hold things together.

 

[fish_guts]

No, I was torquing it. I ended up using bellows adhesive on the rubber ring and replacing the 5 bolts. I think it should be okay.
Thanks