Steel trim rod is rusted on!

[chris in va]

9.9 '75 Evinrude. Whatever that rod is on the swivel bracket to adjust trim is completely locked on there with rust. So far I've tried soaking it with PB Blaster for a few days and tapping aggressively with a 5# hammer, but it won't budge. It's not something that is imperative to operation, but would be nice to get the thing off at some point so the jonboat I put it on will plane out correctly.

 

[flips]

Re: Steel trim rod is rusted on!

mate check my old posts about 3-4 weeks ago.

 

[lark2004]

Re: Steel trim rod is rusted on!

its a similar problem, thats for sure. Your best option is to just cut it off. This is alot less stressfull on your transom bracket than a hammer. You can than carefully drill out the remains of the old rod, and make a new one out of 316 grade stainless.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Steel trim rod is rusted on!

The first thing to do would be to apply heat, using a hand held propane torch. The aluminum expands faster than steel and that usually frees the steel rod enough to tap it out.<br /><br />If this fails, as Lark2004 states, the last resort is to cut it away. However, if it is cut away, keep in mind that portions of the steel rod is still rusted tight in those holes.<br /><br />It's name, should you be interested, is simply "Reverse Lock Rod".... Although it is used to set the engine angle, it also keeps the engine from tilting up while in reverse.