Front engine mount bolts-epoxy or wooden dowel pins?

[jakestevens]

I've read several posts on stripped out front engine mount bolts and rotted stringers. I'd like to know what the most effective steps to take when re-creating material for the lag bolts to attach to.

I have a 1999 Rinker 182 with a 140 mercruiser 4cyl. I presently have the front engine mount out and have cleaned out the bolt holes with a pick as best I can. I'm just really unsure about my next step. Filling with epoxy resin and placing the bolts in the epoxy until it dries sounds really easy, but is it effective?
Is the epoxy resin more effective than wooden dowels covered in epoxy and then glassed in?

Thanks everyone..

 

[Bondo]

Re: Front engine mount bolts-epoxy or wooden dowel pins?

I presently have the front engine mount out and have cleaned out the bolt holes with a pick as best I can.

Ayuh,.....
Personally,.....
I'd either totally Replace the Whole Mounting Block,...
Or,....
Drill it Way Oversized to get into Good Fresh Wood,+ fill it with dowels/ epoxy to redrill.....

 

[jakestevens]

Re: Front engine mount bolts-epoxy or wooden dowel pins?

Drill it Way Oversized to get into Good Fresh Wood,+ fill it with dowels/ epoxy to redrill.....[/QUOTE]

What kind of epoxy should I use?
Should the dowel be a really tight fit?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Front engine mount bolts-epoxy or wooden dowel pins?

Should the dowel be a really tight fit?

Nope,..... Ya need space for the Epoxy.....

What kind of epoxy should I use?

Ayuh,... Your Choice,.....

I make my own with resin,+ fillers......

 

[oops!]

Re: Front engine mount bolts-epoxy or wooden dowel pins?

it may be easier to replace the block and be done with it forever..

but whatever you do....just seal the new mounting block with the product of choice.......(not thompsons waterseal)

cheers
oops

 

[jakestevens]

Re: Front engine mount bolts-epoxy or wooden dowel pins?

Is realignment of the engine a concern?

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Front engine mount bolts-epoxy or wooden dowel pins?

The 2 front motor mount bolt holes in my 140 were stripped out of the stringer so I drilled it over-sized and epoxied in lead lag screw anchors,,, with the lag screws inserted as the epoxy hardened. I figured the lead wouldn't corrode or rust and if I ever needed to replace them the lead would drill out easy enough. Been holding fine for 10 years.

 

[jakestevens]

Re: Front engine mount bolts-epoxy or wooden dowel pins?

fishrdan,

What kind of epoxy did you use?

jakestevens

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Front engine mount bolts-epoxy or wooden dowel pins?

I don't remember, probably JB Weld??? I greased or WD-40'd (?) the lags before epoxying so they released after it cured, worked like a charm.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Front engine mount bolts-epoxy or wooden dowel pins?

Is realignment of the engine a concern?

Ayuh,..... Very much so......

 

[jakestevens]

Re: Front engine mount bolts-epoxy or wooden dowel pins?

Ayuh,..... Very much so......

So, even if I get the bolts in the same position. Should I still remove the outdrive and align the engine?

jakestevens

 

[Bondo]

Re: Front engine mount bolts-epoxy or wooden dowel pins?

Ayuh,..... Absolutely..........

Matter of Fact,.....
I wouldn't even Drill a Hole, Til I had the motor Aligned, side to side,+ Very Close for up,& down.....