prop trim tab

[jasonoberry352]

my trim tab for prop steer is loose and sloppy . i cant seem to loosen or tighten afraid im going to break off the head on bolt. anyway it has about 2 in slop in it eighter way left to right . how can i fix this??????

 

[sschefer]

Re: prop trim tab

my trim tab for prop steer is loose and sloppy . i cant seem to loosen or tighten afraid im going to break off the head on bolt. anyway it has about 2 in slop in it eighter way left to right . how can i fix this??????

If your talking about the torque tab/annode thats at the rear of the lower unit above the prop then go ahead and break it. It will just fall off and you can retrieve the remainder of the bolt from the top. These and the bolts are readily available at most marine dealers. If it's flopping around it's not doing you any good anyway.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: prop trim tab

How big is the engine?

 

[emckelvy]

Re: prop trim tab

Get a propane or MAPP torch, apply heat to the bottom of the trim tab on one side for 10-15 seconds. Then switch sides and repeat. Do this a couple of cycles and it's likely to loosen the bolt enough for you to wrench it out. If it's still reluctant to come out, let things cool down then apply some penetrant such as Kroil, PB Blaster, etc and let it soak overnight.

If it's still sticking, heat it up again and I'd bet you'll have success. Needles to say, use extreme care when using open flames around fuel supplies, use caution to avoid burning the paint, and have a fire extinguisher at the ready.

There is no need to break bolts and ruin parts when a careful application of heat/penetrant can bust them loose.

HTH...........ed

p.s. to avoid seizure in the future, apply a good dollup of water-resistance marine-grade grease to the bolt's threads. Wally's, NAPA, or most other auto parts stores will carry the boat bearing grease in tubs or grease-gun cartridges.