Any Ideas How to Get a Stubborn lower unit screw out:1990 15Hp

OptsyEagle

Lieutenant
Joined
Sep 13, 2006
Messages
1,367
So I am trying to change the lower unit oil in my 15Hp 1990 Evinrude and the slotted screw for the bottom of the LU is not unscrewing. I had it out this time last year. I have tried a regular slotted screwdriver, a larger tire iron with a slotted end, one of those easy outs drivers that turn counterclockwise as you whack the other end of it. Pentrating oil, although I imagine the washer is probably preventing that from doing much and a heat gun. So far it does not want to budge. Any ideas for this would be appreciated.
 

Fun Times

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Staff member
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May 16, 2009
Messages
9,416
Have you tried a combination of fair amount of heat and an impact screwdriver right there after?

If possible, a good flame tends to work better than a heat gun.
impact screwdriver
 

OptsyEagle

Lieutenant
Joined
Sep 13, 2006
Messages
1,367
So I want to thank you all for your ideas and suggestions. Although it was probably one of the most stubborn screws I have ever had to unscrew, my efforts were finally met, this morning, with success.

After many attempts of whacking it, heating it, cooling it, and different forms of slotted screwdrivers, all ending in failure, today I used a fairly small slotted screwdriver, with an end only about 1/8" wide, positioned on one outer edge of the slot in the LU screw and whacked it very hard and it finally turned.

I actually did this a few times yesterday, without success but the difference today was that yesterday I used a mallot as my hammer and today I used a regular steel hammer. I figure this not only provided the power but also a better transfer of vibration. Secondly, as for the power. Yesterday I spent significant effort to ensure no damage came to my aluminum lower unit, while I was whacking this small slotted screwdriver, whereas today I added significant anger, some really filthly profanity, resulting in a much higher force to my whack, and that seem to make the vital difference. lol

Anyway thanks again. You guys are great.
 

saltchuckmatt

Captain
Joined
Jul 19, 2019
Messages
3,362
So I want to thank you all for your ideas and suggestions. Although it was probably one of the most stubborn screws I have ever had to unscrew, my efforts were finally met, this morning, with success.

After many attempts of whacking it, heating it, cooling it, and different forms of slotted screwdrivers, all ending in failure, today I used a fairly small slotted screwdriver, with an end only about 1/8" wide, positioned on one outer edge of the slot in the LU screw and whacked it very hard and it finally turned.

I actually did this a few times yesterday, without success but the difference today was that yesterday I used a mallot as my hammer and today I used a regular steel hammer. I figure this not only provided the power but also a better transfer of vibration. Secondly, as for the power. Yesterday I spent significant effort to ensure no damage came to my aluminum lower unit, while I was whacking this small slotted screwdriver, whereas today I added significant anger, some really filthly profanity, resulting in a much higher force to my whack, and that seem to make the vital difference. lol

Anyway thanks again. You guys are great.
Yeah, many success's getting postal on things....of coarse it gone the other way to....either way no more problems!🤫
 
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