Should I replace main bolts that hold motor to motor bracket?

[scjmc]

I recently pulled my powerhead because of a water leak that I had between it and the midsection. It looks like it was just the gasket that needed replaceing. Another problem I found was the main bolts that hold the engine to the engine bracket on the transom. The bolt heads are only visable after the powerhead is removed. They are badly rusted and I want to replace them. Any input or experience on this?

 

[scjmc]

Re: Should I replace main bolts that hold motor to motor bracket?

SX250TURV Exclusive saltwater use if this helps.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Should I replace main bolts that hold motor to motor bracket?

looks like they have a lot of life left.
to change them you have to remove the midsection from the steering bracket and then the 3 bolts that hold down the upper mount bracket.
do ya feel lucky ?

 

[scjmc]

Re: Should I replace main bolts that hold motor to motor bracket?

They look a lot worse at higher resolution with chunks of steel falling off. I am worried about them breaking, and I would sleep better if they were changed. Do they always break or something when they are changed? So far I havent broken any bolts (important bolts) on this motor.....yet.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Should I replace main bolts that hold motor to motor bracket?

not always.
thats what makes it so much fun.

 

[scjmc]

Re: Should I replace main bolts that hold motor to motor bracket?

Great! Rodbolt, have you ever seen one of these break during use, or seen a motor fall off over these?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Should I replace main bolts that hold motor to motor bracket?

nope
but the list of sheet I aint seen grows daily.
watched a guy light an anchor mini tourch in his ear oneday.
never saw that before either.
give me credit though, I tried not to laugh.
we were in the engine box of a 28 searay, he went click,click,click and no flame, then he stuck it up to his ear and click,flame.
I outta write a book one day.

 

[scjmc]

Re: Should I replace main bolts that hold motor to motor bracket?

Haha!

 

[scjmc]

Re: Should I replace main bolts that hold motor to motor bracket?

Success! I have removed everything without drama. After Rodbolt cautioned about the things being hard to remove I spent several days spraying with PB blaster, and hammered on the bolts before trying to extract any of them. 1 bolt was perfect, 1 had the head completely corroded off, and the other two (under powerhead) were about 50% left. I am referring to the bolt heads, the bolts themselves were mostly uncorroded.