PB blaster or heat to remove stubborn bolts from Lower Unit

[RoGun_Mako171]

I need to replace the water pump on my Johnson 88 SPL and found the trim tab bolt is very tight and I was wondering if PB Blaster, heat or something else would be the best option to help get it free? The boat is only used in fresh water. I have broken more than one bolt using a breaker bar and don't want to go there if I can avoid it.

I tried searching the site, but find the searches provide website errors often, so I thought I would just ask.

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

If it's aluminum don't use heat. A steel bolt threaded into aluminum heating will make it worse. PB blaster and lightly tapping on the bolt head might work. It will take more than a few taps though.

 

[boobie]

Heat the area AROUND the bolt. NOT the bolt. I use heat all the time and it works good.

 

[RoGun_Mako171]

Great advice, thank you both.

Boobie... would a plumber's propane torch do the trick or do you use something hotter?

 

[boobie]

It all depends on how bad it's stuck. I've used propane to an acy/ox torch. Just have to know what you're doing,

 

[oldboat1]

Using a box wrench and tapping side to side might loosen it up.

 

[Chris1956]

Or use a hand impact driver, after spraying with a good penetrating oil.

 

[F_R]

As a veteran of 24 years as a full time outboard mechanic on the Gulf of Mexico coast (salt), I can tell you that the solution is heat----lots of heat----HOT heat. A propane torch might work if it isn't too bad. We called the oxy-acetylene torch the "blue wrench". Only way to go, in most cases. Even then, we twisted off lots of bolts.

 

[RoGun_Mako171]

Ok, lots of PB Blaster, firm tapping on the bolt/wrench and heat on the housing, not the bolt. What would be the maximum torque I should put on the bolt before I step up my heating? I have a 1/2" torque wrench and could use it in reverse so I can be cautious and use a measured approach.

 

[F_R]

Can't say that I've ever measured it.

 

[RoGun_Mako171]

As a conservative approach, I'll start with 1.5x the torque spec for the Trim Tab Bolt... so 15-18 ft lbs. Will also try the impact driver. I'll report back next week with results after I receive my water pump kit in the mail.

 

[boobie]

Boy. that's a first. Good Luck !

 

[RoGun_Mako171]

I ordered the wrong water pump and Van's Sport Shop on eBay does not take returns... buyer beware! So I'm eating the $43 and need to order the correct part. Once I have the correct water pump, I will update the post with my efforts to remove the bolts.

 

[havoc_squad]

Keep in mind many parts stores don't allow returns on opened items such as water pump kit that is a sealed package. Only if it is defective, missing parts that should be in it, or not the exact item ordered.

Other parts can be exact replacement only if damaged or defective.

Gotta make 100% sure the part to be ordered matches what is being replaced. If the lower unit does not match the year and model of the main unit, you may want to dig for more info to find the right part number(s) if there were design changes to compatible lower units over the years.

If you buy from a local shop, they may be willing to help verify the right part info if it's a hard to verify part number.

 

[oldboat1]

I used to deal with Vans in person (admittedly many years ago), and they are a reputable shop. Maybe phone contact asking for an exchange?

 

[RoGun_Mako171]

I tried working with Vans and they said no returns on their eBay store, period.

 

[flyingscott]

How.did you get the wrong kit? The crossflow v4 used the same pump for around 25 yrs.

 

[RoGun_Mako171]

I'm not sure, it must have been my mistake while bargain hunting. Still trying to figure out where I went wrong.