Loose transom plate on VP SX

[crestapre]

I have a 1994 with twin OMC Cobra/VP SX drives and have been getting a trickle of water leaking into the boat this year. After some investigation I have found what I think is the problem. It seems that the transom plate is a little loose. The (2) bolts and (4) nuts are easily turned with a wrench.

1.) I don?t know the torque spec for these bolts but at the contorted position I am in to reach these bolts I don't think that I could torque them anyway.
2.) Has anyone hear of these loosening before?

I don?t think that there is any transom rot because I just installed a new transducer and the wood in the drilled holes looked fine and I believe that this just started recently.

I hope that this will solve the leak.
Any input is welcome.
Thanks guys!

 

[Don S]

Re: Loose transom plate on VP SX

I doubt they came loose as they are Nylock type locknuts on the 6 (not 4) nuts and 2 alignment bolts. My guess is the transom is rotting around the opening for the transom shield, but it may still be good where you installed the transducer.
The torque for the 2 alignment bolts is 12 to 14 ft. lbs, the 6 nylocks is 20 to 25 ft lbs.

 

[crestapre]

Re: Loose transom plate on VP SX

Thanks Don.

So what do you think?
Just tighten up the nuts/bolts and hope for the best?

It's alot of work and cash to "see" if the transom is going.

 

[Don S]

Re: Loose transom plate on VP SX

It's alot of work and cash to "see" if the transom is going.

It's also a lot of work and cash if it sinks................

Drill a hole (inside the boat) close the the transom shield and see if the savings are black and rotted.
I know I can tap on the transom with a small hammer and hear the dull thud of a rotted area compared to the clear tap of a solid transom.

 

[crestapre]

Re: Loose transom plate on VP SX

I'll give it a try.
I'll drill a small hole near each of the transom plates.
Thanks.

What are the chances that both went at the same time?
Stranger things have happened, I guess.