71 Thunderbolt 800 Tilt and Trim Cylinder Bracket Removal Issue

[hartleck]

I am unable to remove the bracket at the Long tie bolt pictured in these photos and figure 8 of the origional service manual under Installing Hydraulic Cylinders on page 671. The bolt has no head but rather nuts on each end. They have been removed. The long Nylock screw has been removed. I have good play on the upper end of the bracket but it will not budge at the Tie Bolt. I have tried everything I know to remove it to get at the wiring box but nothing I have done works. The bolt itself will not move at all. Can anyone offer some insight here? Thanks

 

[DavidAK]

Re: 71 Thunderbolt 800 Tilt and Trim Cylinder Bracket Removal Issue

Looks like a corrosion problem. You might try a bit of blue wrench (the torch).

 

[ThumbPkr]

Re: 71 Thunderbolt 800 Tilt and Trim Cylinder Bracket Removal Issue

I would not plan to reuse any of the rods,just cut them to get it apart.I just went through this taking the hardware from a salt water engine to put on my old 650.Try to save the brackets that the long rod goes through but it isn't going to be easy.Penetrating oil and time is on your side.
I was able to drill the rod out of one bracket and I bought a pair on ebay because I trashed one taking it off.
The rod is 5/16".I found some small pipe that was 5/16" ID and fabricated the rest using
5/16" SS threaded rod and it turned out very good.Coat the rod with neverseize when you assemble it.Good luck,Ron G

 

[MercMan82]

Re: 71 Thunderbolt 800 Tilt and Trim Cylinder Bracket Removal Issue

I agree, probably corroded so bad it's become press fit tight. I had the same problem with my 1971 1150. I soaked it for a few days, maybe a week. Each day I checked on it I'd spray some more. The torch finally broke it loose. The key here, and on anything you do with an old motor, is patience. You will break something off so fast it'll make your wallet "spend". <-- (thought that was clever)