evinrude 15hp loose bolts

[dhowebuf2]

The two bolts that hold the steering bracket onto the pivot tube have come loose, and I can't get a wrench in there well enough to tighten them securely. Do I have to remove the powerhead to be able to get at these with a socket wrench? Is there another way to get at these bolts?

 

[OBJ]

Re: evinrude 15hp loose bolts

Actually there are three bolts. Yes, to do the job right, you'll need to remove the powerhead and lower pan. Remove the bolts, clean them good as well as the bolt holes and replace them with a little loctite added to the threads.

 

[dhowebuf2]

Re: evinrude 15hp loose bolts

Thanks! Any hints on removing the powerhead? I started down that road before and got stalled. I removed the 6 bolts holding on the lower pan, removed the nuts from the 3 rubber-washer mounts connected to the powerhead, and disconnected the shift linkage. At this point the powerhead still seemed locked down tight. Is there a connection I missed somewhere, or does it just take some coaxing to break it free?

 

[OBJ]

Re: evinrude 15hp loose bolts

Actually the three rubber-washer mounts hold the lower pan to the power head. The six bolts you remove underneath hole the power head to the adapator. The shift linkage doesn't have to be removed to get the power head off...just for the pan. <br /><br />The power head adaptor gasket can hold pretty good sometimes and it's just a matter of getting it broke lose. I use a small hook pry to help out. Once it's free, lift up. Remember the exhaust tube is attached to the power head underneath so you will be lifting that out as well and you'll have to twist the head a little to get the exhaust tube to clear. Sometimes it helps to remove the lower unit.<br /><br />The power head will break free.....just keep prying on it. Becareful not to punch through the lower pan if you use a pry bar.<br /><br />Did you remove throttle tower shaft on the port side? Helps.

 

[rgp]

Re: evinrude 15hp loose bolts

I had the same deal on my 1990 Johnson. Fortunately it happened shortly after I purchased the unit (brand new). I returned it to the dealer and they did a no-charge warranty repair. All the screws wear loose. In fact only one remained. The rest of them were at the bottom of the lake (Minnesota). Apparently it's a common problem. The factory doesn't use Loctite, but the dealer did. Sounds like one heck of a job to repair. Hope you come out okay.