Lower end oil vent?

[lockedandloaded]

I have a 1998 50hp Johnson. I just got this motor about a month ago and am trying to service it. The vent screw is stuck. The head has started to strip. Any ideas for getting it loose so I can replace it and the oil? I tryed using an impact driver, but I am afraid of cracking the housing.

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: Lower end oil vent?

An impact driver is your best bet. Try to tighten the screw slightly, then try and loosen it. You may need to "rock" it in both directions to get it loose. Unless you are using a very heavy hammer, you won't hurt the housing.

 

[tony edwards]

Re: Lower end oil vent?

take a hammer and brass drift. hit the screw several times and it will come out easy you are hitting against a soft material seal and it will crush slightly. i have done this on engines that have been in salt water as well as fresh water for many years. remember to replace the seals on both screws. and it would be a good idea to replace the slightly strippes screw so you dont have to fight it next time. this works so much better than an impact driver. try it and you will see how easily it comes out.

 

[RadarRick]

Re: Lower end oil vent?

Tony
I'll just interject a quick question - would you recommend the hammer & drift for frozen lower unit bolts? I've got one that's driving me mad
Thanks & sorry Locked

 

[lockedandloaded]

Re: Lower end oil vent?

Thanks, I'll try hitting it harder. As many nuts and bolts as I have been able to break over the years I'm just a little gun shy.

 

[58rude]

Re: Lower end oil vent?

Get a impact driver and it will come out, then just replace it. If you do alot of outboard work the impact driver will pay for itself in no time.

 

[lockedandloaded]

Re: Lower end oil vent?

Thanks for the help. I ended up using a cold chisel to drive it out. The impact driver just messed up the head even more. The drift might have worked if the head was in such bad shape.