..of NUTS & BOLTS..

Joined
Jul 6, 2006
Messages
60
Folk-

ref: 1964 rude, Lark VI, 40hp.

Q: I am restoring the motor above. I Have removed and rebuilt carb., starter, alternator.. Now I want to replace impeller and clean water intake screen... Problem is the std. head screws are in TIGHT..I am using a honking big screwdriver and still no turn...dont want to strip them...

Figuring about 20 years (at least) since they were removed (I bought the boat/motor off a marina, after 20 years dry storage..in very good shape...runs like a top..). BUT, I will still need to be able to access the panels for normal maintenance. Like changing the impeller.
:%

Thx for any suggestions...

Sam
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: ..of NUTS & BOLTS..

Try an impact screwdriver, Sam.

Available at most hardware stores. Stick the blade in the screw and smack the shaft with a 3lb hammer.
 

tmcalavy

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 29, 2001
Messages
4,005
Re: ..of NUTS & BOLTS..

Yes on the impact driver, but first get a can of Kroil, Wintergreen oil or PB Blaster and soak them down....let them sit a day or so and then repeat. Nothing worse than breaking off a nut or bolt...take precautions.
 

BoatBuoy

Rear Admiral
Joined
May 29, 2004
Messages
4,856
Re: ..of NUTS & BOLTS..

Amen to the impact screwdriver. Don't know how I got along without one as long as I did. $6.99 at Harbor Freight.
 

Paul Moir

Admiral
Joined
Nov 5, 2002
Messages
6,847
Re: ..of NUTS & BOLTS..

If they don't budge after the first couple whacks, apply copious amounts of heat from at least a MAPP gas fed torch. I've never had much luck with penetrating oils with Al/stainless/salt water.
My cheapy impact driver + 3 lb hammer will twist the heads off stainless 1/4" screws and everything smaller. Prepare to break bolts.
 
Joined
Jul 6, 2006
Messages
60
Re: ..of NUTS & BOLTS..

I knew you sages of the deep would come through..many thx. I am off to Menards.....

Whew...I actually Ithought I was getting whimpy in my old age...basically a screw to big for my driver kinda of thing...

8)

Sam
 

James R

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Joined
Feb 1, 2007
Messages
2,679
Re: ..of NUTS & BOLTS..

Re: ..of NUTS & BOLTS..

If I get even the slightest resistance indicating that I will ruin the screw head out comes the impact driver. If that doesn't do the job then drill the head off leaving the screw shank, heat area and screw real good, apply vice grips and remove very carefully. Never had any luck with the lubricants. Mind that you dont destroy any bearings or seals. Run a tap down the threads before you reasemble.
 
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