Help! Stuck flathead screws on bottom of skeg.

[Who Pooted]

Guys I'm trying to take the lower portion/skeg off of my 1960 18hp so I can check all the gears and replace all the seals. Big problem i have is i've got two flathead screws left that will not come undone, and i fear i've began to strip them. I've been using PB Blaster and lightly tapping them to loosen them, but they are not budging. Anyone have any suggestions? I've got stainless steel bolts to replace them once I get them removed.

Thanks,
Adam

 

[Packard8]

Re: Help! Stuck flathead screws on bottom of skeg.

Maybe try an impact screwdriver:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impact_driver

Carefully applied heat form a propane torch to the surrounding area might help. If using an impact screwdriver start tapping gently at first and be sure the motor is up against something solid.

good luck!

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Help! Stuck flathead screws on bottom of skeg.

I use an impact screwdriver for all those tight screws. Works great most of the time.

https://www.google.ca/search?q=impa...6GK7G0AGXuYD4Ag&ved=0CCcQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=627

 

[Jim311]

Re: Help! Stuck flathead screws on bottom of skeg.

Turn them the other way.



Just kidding. Counter clockwise, or use one of those little impact screwdrivers. You could get one cheap from Harbor Freight.

 

[e36m3e]

Re: Help! Stuck flathead screws on bottom of skeg.

you can accomplish nearly the same thing as an impact screwdriver with a regular screw driver...a good one that is. Just apply a preload to the screwdriver then whack the screwdriver with a hammer as you apply the pressure. Making sure the screw slot is perfectly clean first is important. If you use an impact driver make sure to preload it as well before hitting it or it will destroy any screw head left. And, actually, sometimes turning the screw IN first does help break it loose because the screw head is usually not effed up in that direction. if it doesn't move, hit it harder with more preload twist. just thoughts.

 

[boobie]

Re: Help! Stuck flathead screws on bottom of skeg.

A Mapp gas torch for heat and an impact screwdriver will usually get them out.

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: Help! Stuck flathead screws on bottom of skeg.

soak them, heat, then put in a big flathead with a small crescent attached to the blade. push in while turning with crescent

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Help! Stuck flathead screws on bottom of skeg.

Of course any heat will destroy the seals in the gearcase. Stick with the impact driver and save the heat for the last resort.

 

[boobie]

Re: Help! Stuck flathead screws on bottom of skeg.

I think he said he was going to replace the seals anyway, so heat will be no problem.

 

[Who Pooted]

Re: Help! Stuck flathead screws on bottom of skeg.

I got my torch/impact driver out and removed one of the stuck screws, but one of them is quite stubborn. I believe i've almost stripped it. I can't get it to budge. I've still got some of the head left. I'm going to try and file down a flat head bit to make the tip a bit more fatter to fit the now bigger opening on the screw head. I hope this works.
If this doesn't are there any other suggestions? I didn't know if one of those screw extractor bits would work. I was also considering cutting a groove in the opposite direction on the head to see if i could get a phillips bit to bite. Other than any suggestions made by y'all i guess i'll be heading to the marine shop to have them extract it for me.

 

[Bosunsmate]

Re: Help! Stuck flathead screws on bottom of skeg.

Use a cold chisel on an angle, thats never failed for me

 

[scotty52]

Re: Help! Stuck flathead screws on bottom of skeg.

There is a good oil called Croil when sprayed on stuck corroded bolt and screws sucks right in to the threads. I have used this in Building Maint the last few years and have not found anything like this in 40 years as a mechanic. That with a hand impact should do it.

 

[boobie]

Re: Help! Stuck flathead screws on bottom of skeg.

Croil = Kroil and it's good stuff.

 

[lindy46]

Re: Help! Stuck flathead screws on bottom of skeg.

If you have all but one bolt out, try turning the whole skeg CCW - it may loosen the remaining bolt. Those bolts are supposed to be tight. When you put it back together, use the impact driver to tighten them.

 

[boobie]

Re: Help! Stuck flathead screws on bottom of skeg.

How can he turn the skeg if all the parts are still inside of it ??

 

[lindy46]

Re: Help! Stuck flathead screws on bottom of skeg.

Duh - what am I thinking?

 

[Who Pooted]

Re: Help! Stuck flathead screws on bottom of skeg.

Got it off.
Lindy i've got to admit after days of frustration i was considering doing as you suggested, but i think boobie makes sense! HA Thanks for the laugh guys.
New problems is spark. See thread if you have any suggestions they would be appreciated-http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=576715

 

[boobie]

Re: Help! Stuck flathead screws on bottom of skeg.

How did you finally get it off ??

 

[Who Pooted]

Re: Help! Stuck flathead screws on bottom of skeg.

A little blood,3 day soak in PB Blaster, a busted knuckle, and a ripped off fingernail......and an impact driver. I had to file down a flat head bit to make it "thicker" to fill the gap in the screw head due to me stripping it.

 

[boobie]

Re: Help! Stuck flathead screws on bottom of skeg.

Happy to hear you got it !!