Seized Allen bolt on 280 out drive prop. Need some new ideas

Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
18
Need someone who really understands relationship between prop cone and the screw on the end. Here is what I have learned/broke so far. Last time I changed the prop it took like 5 minutes. I am on day 5 this time! Put pb blaster around head and even filled slot in cone that screw passes through with penetrant by plugging one side and set over night twice - nada. Head is now completely stripped so I converted it to a flatblade slot with a dremal tool. Biggest screw driver with wrench can exert a lot of force before it slips but because blade is just a little small for job I can't get it to break loose before it slides to one side and slips out of groove. Bigger 1/2 inch screwdriver on its way. In the mean time I put my king size wrench on the cap and it turns! Only went an eighth of a turn but it turns. Screw moves with it??? So does screw just screw into cap and I can take cone off with screw in? That makes no sense. I thought there was a pitch difference that would prevent them from coming off together. If so if I tighten the cone that should make the screw easier to remove? The amazing part is it turns- which I am interpreting as the threads are not seized - so why won't the acre turn by itself. I have tried ever bolt loosening word I know. Please help
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
50,239
prop nut threads to outside of prop shaft. locking screw threads to inside of prop shaft. worse case, cut head of bolt off. different thread pitches make the system work.
 
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
18
Following up to my old post for the benefit of someone searching topic. I wound up taking my Dremel tool and cutting a slot across the head of the allen bolt (short cut on each side). Burned up a bit or two but gave me giant flathead bolt instead of a stripped allen bolt. Still couldn't budge with giant flatblade and wrench but impact driver got it loose. Bought two new bolts so I had a spare. Have made several prop changes since with no issues. I just snug it tight now rather than really tight.
 
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