Gear oil screw

[BigFishKen]

My niebor and I have been trying to remove the bottom screw on his '96 Johnson 90 hp to replace the gear oil. We're starting to shred it up pretty good. Is there a good trick we should know?? Could we apply a little heat?? It's an inset flathead screw. Thanks for any input.....Ken

 

[12Footer]

Re: Gear oil screw

These vent screws are usually impacted on (like the lug nuts on a car). You will need an impact driver. This is a hand held screwdriver that has a spring inside.It's designed to be struck with a hammer while turning in the direction required (righty,tighty...Lefty,loosey).<br />They run between 10 and 15 buks,but these screws can be impossable to remove without one.<br />I strongly reccommend using a new screw if that one is shredded. And also new screw gaskets. These are cheap and avaiable at most marinas or boat shops.

 

[BigFishKen]

Re: Gear oil screw

Thanks...We tried the "poor mans" impact driver. (A hammer on the end of a screw driver as we turned). We may try to locate someone with air tools...Ken

 

[12Footer]

Re: Gear oil screw

I know what you mean about the "poor man's impact driver" LOL.<br />I broke-down and bought one many moons ago when I was into motorcycles real heavy.<br />They have the benifit of turning the screw while the down-force is there. They do work great.<br />But it took me a while to get off my very skinny wallet while i had a good screwdriver and hammer

 

[mbb]

Re: Gear oil screw

Use a dremel tool with a fiberglass cutoff wheel to make the slot deeper in the screw, then a normal screwdriver bit wont mangle it. I usually end up using a hardened bit, in an appropriate size socket wrench and they pop free pretty easily.

 

[12Footer]

Re: Gear oil screw

Good idea about the Dremmel tool,mbb. I have had to do that on occasion too.

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Gear oil screw

Impact driver is like prayin in church...you aint doin much Wrenchin without one...

 

[BigFishKen]

Re: Gear oil screw

Thanks for the help....I'm lookin' for a good excuse to buy a dremmel...See ya on the water...Ken