Sheared Bolt

[Squintz]

Forgive me for I am new to boating and don't know technical names for parts.

I just got a 1968 Sportcraft which has a 168hp Mericruiser I/O for free. The hydraulic pistons which raise and lower the outdrive were off when I took possesion of the boat and now that I look closer I know why. One of the bottom bolts that holds the piston on has bee sheared off and I am not sure how to fix it.

I did not take a picture which I probably should so I will try and explain the part I am talking about. It looks like one long threaded bolt that holds both pistons in place. It passes through two verticle guides which I think support the outdrive when it is down. It appears to have three spacers OR be one thick solid bar that runs throught the verticle supports.

Kinda like this:
-=|===|=-

The far left is sheared off so it now looks like

=|===|-

Can anyone give me tip on how to fix this? I am not sure how to remove the exisiting bolt and replace it. Is it even replaceable? If it is not replaceable I was thinking about cutting more off the left side and have a welder put another piece on.

 

[ScottG76]

Re: Sheared Bolt

Forgive me for I am new to boating and don't know technical names for parts.

I just got a 1968 Sportcraft which has a 168hp Mericruiser I/O for free. The hydraulic pistons which raise and lower the outdrive were off when I took possesion of the boat and now that I look closer I know why. One of the bottom bolts that holds the piston on has bee sheared off and I am not sure how to fix it.

I did not take a picture which I probably should so I will try and explain the part I am talking about. It looks like one long threaded bolt that holds both pistons in place. It passes through two verticle guides which I think support the outdrive when it is down. It appears to have three spacers OR be one thick solid bar that runs throught the verticle supports.

Kinda like this:
-=|===|=-

The far left is sheared off so it now looks like

=|===|-

Can anyone give me tip on how to fix this? I am not sure how to remove the exisiting bolt and replace it. Is it even replaceable? If it is not replaceable I was thinking about cutting more off the left side and have a welder put another piece on.

I wouldn't weld a piston. I would just go out and buy a new set. It's an old engine, can probably use a rebuild anyways.

 

[Squintz]

Re: Sheared Bolt

I'm not thinking about welding the piston. I was going to weld a piece of threaded steel to it to replace the sheared one. Then bolt the piston back on. I just don't know if welding is the only way to fix it. I don't want to bang on it or try to turn it if it is all one solid piece. I'll have to take a picture and post it.

 

[Squintz]

Re: Sheared Bolt

I found a replacement kit. This should give you guys a better idea of what I am talking about. The question I still have is how do I remove the old one safely and easily

http://www.iboats.com/Mercruiser_Tr...4220188--list_time.1184775481--view_id.270462

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Sheared Bolt

Likely the old pin is corroded into the housing. First make sure there are no fasteners, and then apply some penetrating oil and some heat. Follow with gentle tapping.

BTW - The bottom support for merc outboard's trim cylinders was hard stainless steel pressed into a forged aluminum casting. They were supposedly removeable. Kinda sounds like the same thing.

 

[Squintz]

Re: Sheared Bolt

I started a project thread which includes a link to photos in the first post. I'm going to talk about this problem in that thread along with other problems. Seems that I have found the solution. Numerous people have told me to put corrosion remover on it and then heat it up and lightly tap it. So thats what I am going to try next.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?p=1407649#post1407649