Help with replacing water jackets bolts

[gas3255]

I have a 1986, 175 Hp Johnson. About 5 of the bolts of the water jacket are rusted. I would like to replace these. Will I warp anything if I replace them one at a time torquing each new one before removing the next one. The other approach would be to remove all the bolts and tighten them in sequence. I have a Clymers manual but don't see the procedure for this in their instructions. Help is appreciated.<br />SilverBob

 

[Backlash]

Re: Help with replacing water jackets bolts

Hey gas,<br />If it isn't leaking you may be opening up a real can of worms. If those bolts are rusted they can be real bears to get out intact. Use extreme caution removing those bolts (heat, penatrating oil, etc.). Real easy to break them off . Of course if you break one off, you'll probably have to take the water jacket off to get at it. Good luck. <br />Backlash

 

[gas3255]

Re: Help with replacing water jackets bolts

Backlask<br />Bolts are not leaking, but I thought about replacing those as a precaution and because they look bad. Maybe I should just clean them of rust and prime/paint them rather than taking them out. Thanks

 

[Backlash]

Re: Help with replacing water jackets bolts

 

[Backlash]

Re: Help with replacing water jackets bolts

I'd say that's a good call. <br />Backlash

 

[SNOOSE]

Re: Help with replacing water jackets bolts

I have had bolts on merc,s theat look fine and when come time to remove then they snapped. Best bet is if it isn't broken don't fix it. But now when I come back from a fishing trip and flushing the engine I take the time to pump grease threw all the grease points and spray the power head with a dewatering spray like crc or rp7 this helps to keep the corrosion at bay.<br />all the best.