Cross Threaded Fasteners

Medic329*

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Jun 16, 2020
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4
Im not a mechanic and even less exp with boat motors. got water leaking from my head gasket around a bolt i think is cross threaded and not all the way in. I want to pull gasket and clean gaskets and reseal but afraid that bolt will break?! how difficult and/or what is best method to remove that if it does break?!
 

Grub54891

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Jun 17, 2012
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6,097
The only way to see if its going to break, is to try to remove it. Not sure if heat will help. Also you cannot reuse the gaskets, they are a one time use part. Before doing anything make sure you can get new parts.
 

Medic329*

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Jun 16, 2020
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yeah i have the gaskets ordered. just trying to determine if I want to screw with it or send it to mechanic. i dont wanna spend the $$ but I don't want to make it worse either. how would i go about heating it up? run the motor and get it warm? if i only heat up the bolt head will transfer far enough down the bolt to make a difference??
 

Grub54891

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Jun 17, 2012
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6,097
If you have never done it, you should take it to a competent marine repair shop. With that said, even a good mechanic can't fix something that's totally messed up from improper repairs in the past.
 

racerone

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Dec 28, 2013
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38,095
Agree the hole in the cylinder head is a pretty good guide for starting a bolt.-----Model # of motor ??
 

GA_Boater

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May 24, 2011
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49,038
What kind of motor? A cross-threaded head bolt would be unusual.

Agree the hole in the cylinder head is a pretty good guide for starting a bolt.-----Model # of motor ??

Very true, hard to cross-thread a head bolt.

A too long bolt or the threaded hole in the block has junk in it could stop a bolt from seating on the head.

Medic has a 1985 Suzuki DT115 - https://forums.iboats.com/forum/eng...dle-or-low-throttle-and-shifting-into-nuetral

I have half a mind to merge the two threads (sic). This thread is being moved. Don't know how this is considered Non-Repair.
 

gm280

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Jun 26, 2011
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14,605
A hand held blow torch using propane is a good source of heat. When you try to remove the bolt, use plenty of penetrating oil. Liquid Wrench is a good choice, or any other type you like. Then work the bolt a little at a time. Counter-clockwise and then clockwise in very small increments. As it starts to turn, go a little further each time but turn it both ways as you go. You should be able to tell if it will turn out after a while. Turn it slowly counter-clockwise if it feel like it is turning out.

Even if you break it off, there are ways to remove it. In other words, it isn't a world-coming-to an-end issue... You never know until you try. And the cost to try is ZERO! The plus's are you will both remove the bolt AND learn how to do it as well. JMHO
 
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