How to Fix Loose Engine Mount?

[BlackSmoke]

Noticed lag screw loose in one of my rear sterndrive engine mounts. Wood is punky, but area is solid so I'm guessing decay is limited to screw holes. What's the best way to restore integrity of wood and reattach screws?

 

[crab bait]

Re: How to Fix Loose Engine Mount?

i'd take a one inch spade/paddle bit.. bore out the old holes stra8 thru the transome.. epoxy in a one inch WHITE oak dowel rod .. the rebore for your lags.. <br /><br />install the lags ... back 'em out... coat them with epoxy ,, reinstall ...<br /><br />do this three times .. to make sure it's good ... <br /><br />stay on it,, just as the epoxy gets hard.. back out the lags ... put a dab,,, JUST A DAB of vaseoline on the threads... <br /><br />reinstall lags for good..

 

[BlackSmoke]

Re: How to Fix Loose Engine Mount?

Thanks cb. Lags are actually in bilge, not transom, but strategy makes sense there, too. Any particular epoxy you'd recommend? Would the kneadable plumbers epoxy work?

 

[crab bait]

Re: How to Fix Loose Engine Mount?

no..<br /><br />must use a liquid epoxy..<br /><br />an N O T . a 5 minute either.. <br /><br />go to a good hardware or boat center<br />an buy the longest set up type they have..<br /><br />the longer the set up ,, the more penatation it'll have.. [ sink in deeper ]

 

[BlackSmoke]

Re: How to Fix Loose Engine Mount?

Can I avoid drilling and plugging if I use a product like GitRot to consolidate any wood decay, then epoxy the lag screws back into the holes?

 

[crab bait]

Re: How to Fix Loose Engine Mount?

i suppose so.. but i really don't know for sure .. <br /><br />problem would be tryin' to get the 'git-rot' to stay put an soak-in on a vertical surface.. plus only half the hole ( bottom half ) will get the benifit.. <br /><br />( you can't soak uphill )

 

[BlackSmoke]

Re: How to Fix Loose Engine Mount?

It's a sterndrive and the lag screws go into stringers vertically, so each hole will hold anything I put in it just like a cup. I'm hoping to be able to solve problem with as little modification as possible. I'm wondering if there's something I could use as a one-step sort of epoxy that would consolidate any decay, and provide solid mounting for the lag screws.

 

[crab bait]

Re: How to Fix Loose Engine Mount?

can't say... try the git-rot.. mite be good enuff.. you can always go back to 'my' step one.. i know that'll work..

 

[flashback]

Re: How to Fix Loose Engine Mount?

I'd go with crab bait on this one. git rot is not solid enough for engine mount lags. do it CB's way and you will only do it once.........good luck.........

 

[JAZZedBW]

Re: How to Fix Loose Engine Mount?

if you choose caulk, go with 3M'S Marine Sealant 5200 Fast cure within 24 hours. good stuff!<br /><br />JAZZ

 

[jlshields]

Re: How to Fix Loose Engine Mount?

crab bait "can't soak uphill"? Sure you can. Dip just the corner of a sponge in a container of water and watch what happens. John