Stripped Anode Bolt

[lamphega]

Was going to replace the trim anode on my 76 Mercruiser 165hp MC-1 drive. The head of the bolt that runs trough the drive is messed up, and of course there is no easy way to get to the head. Suggestions?

 

[thumpar]

Re: Stripped Anode Bolt

Just replace the bolt. It is not hard to split the drive.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Stripped Anode Bolt

Try tapping a metric allen head wrench first.If that fails you need to drill and remove the trim tab a piece at a time.

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: Stripped Anode Bolt

Others have had the same problem and the fix was to destroy the old tab off the bolt (they break apart pretty easily) and maybe it'll loosen off the bolt. If not, then split the drive, since you now have access to the bolt holding the trailing edge of the upper and lower drive sections together that the tab concealed. Now you'll clean access to both the bolt head and the tab section. Vise grips will be your friend then.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Stripped Anode Bolt

Ayuh,.... If it's a zinc tab, a propane or mapp gas torch will melt it outa yer way,...

 

[lamphega]

Re: Stripped Anode Bolt

Thanks for all the ideas. I have ordered a replacement screw and will go at the old tab later.