Mercruiser TRIM Tab Anode-INstallation dilemna Photos! Help!

[7362]

Ok, I'm in need of therapy. I am replacing the simple trim tab anode on my Mercruiser Alpha one first generation.

It is a simple attachment using hex head cap screw. The screw bolts in from inside the drive housing. I can see no way of getting access without taking the outdrive apart. I have attached photos of the screw and it can be seen that there is no way to insert the screw in the housing to attach the trim tab without significant disassembly.

This is a user serviceable part, that is consumable. The exploded views show the upper gearcase housing off the outdrive. (See attachment- part items #42 and #49)) This type of disassembly seems a bit excessive to simply replace a trim tab anode. What am I missing? Thank you very very much.

You saved me from a costly visit to the therapist.

 

[dubs283]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One=- TRIM Tab Anode-WHAT am I missing on this "Simple" task??

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One=- TRIM Tab Anode-WHAT am I missing on this "Simple" task??

use a long 3/8" hex bit to reach the bolt head

often times there is quite a bit of build-up of sediment/debris in the bolt head cavity, also the bolt will be very tight and will have a loud snap when initially loosened

 

[Pete104]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One=- TRIM Tab Anode-WHAT am I missing on this "Simple" task??

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One=- TRIM Tab Anode-WHAT am I missing on this "Simple" task??

3/8" hex bit is commonly known as an "allen wrench".

 

[littlebookworm]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One=- TRIM Tab Anode-WHAT am I missing on this "Simple" task??

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One=- TRIM Tab Anode-WHAT am I missing on this "Simple" task??

All you have to remove to get to the bolt is to remove the plug at the top of that section of the drive. It's plastic or rubber so just use a thin screwdriver to pop it off the drive. Use a flashlight to look inside at the securing bolt. The anode is probably attached with an allen head bolt or it might be attached with a 1/2" hex head bolt. You'll need a thin-walled socket to get it there. Don't worry about snapping the bolt head; you won't, and if you do, the anode will drop off. The new anode comes with a bolt. Just make sure you get the correct anode. There are two different ones with two different size fins. After you install it, turn the prop BY HAND to make sure it clears. With some props you may have to cut away a corner of the fin, or just get the anode with the smaller fin. Hy

 

[7362]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One=- TRIM Tab Anode-WHAT am I missing on this "Simple" task??

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One=- TRIM Tab Anode-WHAT am I missing on this "Simple" task??

I was not clear in my problem. THe head of the hex head cap screw is too large to pass through the hole at the top of the drive. The only way would be to grind down the head, to allow the bolt to pass through the top of the drive. This is the major part of the problem. SHould I drill out the hole, this seems to be another long way around for a consumable serviceable part. Thanks

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One=- TRIM Tab Anode-WHAT am I missing on this "Simple" task??

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One=- TRIM Tab Anode-WHAT am I missing on this "Simple" task??

its captive, it dosent come out .simply loosen it untill the anode falls off, install new anode and tighten.if you bought a new anode and bolt, then the unit must be split. just loosen it with a allen wrench.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One=- TRIM Tab Anode-WHAT am I missing on this "Simple" task??

Re: Mercruiser Alpha One=- TRIM Tab Anode-WHAT am I missing on this "Simple" task??

I was not clear in my problem. THe head of the hex head cap screw is too large to pass through the hole at the top of the drive. The only way would be to grind down the head, to allow the bolt to pass through the top of the drive. This is the major part of the problem. SHould I drill out the hole, this seems to be another long way around for a consumable serviceable part. Thanks

Ayuh,... Usually the bolt is reused...
If it needs replacing, it's usually done at the time of the impeller change...