Adapter to Powerhead Screws

[wrosales]

I am trying to replace the adapter to powerhead gasket and I have followed the manual and removed every bolt that it says but when i go to lift it off onle the front actually comes up. In the back it has 2 bolts that you are supposed to remove the nuts from and I did that but appears that the bolts could be frozen in place due to salt water corrosion. I have tried everything to knock them loose but that are in such a difficult position. Any way to free them or is there possible something else stuck?

 

[iwombat]

Re: Adapter to Powerhead Screws

Remove your exhaust cover so you can get to the area better with a torch. Heat the heck out of those studs from the top.

 

[wrosales]

Re: Adapter to Powerhead Screws

I have already removed the front and rear exhaust housing cover.What do you mean from the top? They stick out downwards. A torch wont hurt the adapter?

 

[iwombat]

Re: Adapter to Powerhead Screws

A torch won't hurt the adapter. You should be able to see the tops of those two studs with the exhaust cover off. Heat them until they glow bright red.

Your other options are to cut the block away from the studs and get it welded back together. Or, cut the adapter and get a new one or get it welded.

Been there, done that.

 

[wrosales]

Re: Adapter to Powerhead Screws

I think the heating way would be better. The studs can be replaced right? What kind of metal or alloy is the adapter made out of? What are the studs made out of?

 

[iwombat]

Re: Adapter to Powerhead Screws

Aluminum adapter, stainless studs.

 

[wrosales]

Re: Adapter to Powerhead Screws

Would a simple propane torch be enough or do i need an acetylene torch?

 

[iwombat]

Re: Adapter to Powerhead Screws

Propane (or better yet MAPP gas) is enough to heat all the metal w/o risk of melting the aluminum.

 

[wrosales]

Re: Adapter to Powerhead Screws

There is nothing inside the adapter that could be holding it on? I am going to try the heating here in a moment.

 

[iwombat]

Re: Adapter to Powerhead Screws

Nothing but corrosion, and that can be a real bugger. I had to cut one out a couple of powerheads ago. Heat usually does the trick.

 

[wrosales]

Re: Adapter to Powerhead Screws

The studs can be replaced right?

 

[iwombat]

Re: Adapter to Powerhead Screws

I'm 95% certain. However, I don't know the year or size of your motor. I'm assuming a V-4 of some sort. In that case, it's a dealer item and readily available.

 

[wrosales]

Re: Adapter to Powerhead Screws

How long is it supposed to take to get the screws red hot? I cannot seem to get them to that point.

 

[iwombat]

Re: Adapter to Powerhead Screws

That propane may not be quite hot enough to get stainless to glow. Put the torch on for a good 5 minutes each and try pulling the powerhead.

As a last resort before cutting the studs, put some red loctite in the nuts and put them back on the studs. Let it sit for a few hours and see if you can turn the studs out of the block using the well-secured nuts.

 

[wrosales]

Re: Adapter to Powerhead Screws

Ok if I were to cut them how would I go about doing that?

 

[iwombat]

Re: Adapter to Powerhead Screws

What I did was cut the webbing out to either side of the threaded hole the studs are in. I went about 1/4" out from the hole, where possible avoiding any of the threaded holes for the exhaust cover. That made the weld job easier since the welder could use both the adapter and the exhaust cover to place the parts.

 

[wrosales]

Re: Adapter to Powerhead Screws

After five minutes It still did not even look like it was hot. Would you suggest going to the hardware store and buying MAPP Gas? Home Depot sells it right?

 

[iwombat]

Re: Adapter to Powerhead Screws

I use MAPP gas for pretty much everything (heating engine parts, soldering copper plumbing, you name it). It'll fit right into your propane torch and pretty much everyone sells it.

Look for the yellow canister.


Edit: You might have to take it through a few hot/cold cycles to really break up the corrosion. If you have a way to cool it quick - like a CO2 fire-extinguisher or a hunk of dry ice that'll help too.

 

[wrosales]

Re: Adapter to Powerhead Screws

SO if I used to CO2 fire extinguisher it will eventually loosen up? Or will I have to heat it and force it off when it is red hot? Mapp will make stainless red hot?

 

[iwombat]

Re: Adapter to Powerhead Screws

If you have a way to cool it. . .

Heat it w/ the MAPP or propane gas.
Cool it down
Heat again and pull
If that fails, cool it and pull.

Repeat


When you get tired of that, turn the CO2 on a can of beer and have a frosty one.