OMC Cobra Transom Pivot Housing Helicoil

e016188

Cadet
Joined
Jun 16, 2009
Messages
27
Hello,

A helicoil insert in the pivot housing was either damaged or I damaged when removing the shoulder screw. The insert is find no. 78 and the shoulder screw is find no. 26 is the attached parts diagram. The threads in the pivot housing look ok. I purchased the OEM replacement insert (pn 3852698).

http://www.crowleymarine.com/brp_parts/diagrams/31245.cfm

Can I install the new insert with a long set of needle nose pliers or do I need to buy the installation tool? I'm concerned about not being able to get the insert threaded in all the way or worse damaging the pivot housing threads.
My boat mechanic noted I should use loctite, however, I do not find directions to use loctite in web based helicoil insert systems catalogues or technical publications.
Recommendations please:confused:
 

mkast

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Nov 6, 2002
Messages
1,934
Re: OMC Cobra Transom Pivot Housing Helicoil

Use a tap to clean the threads first.
I would recommend the installation tool.
I don't remember using loctite on helicoils.
 

a70eliminator

Captain
Joined
Sep 9, 2007
Messages
3,746
Re: OMC Cobra Transom Pivot Housing Helicoil

Heli coils do require you use the matching thread tap, then you use the tool to load them into the newly tapped holes, a kit will have all the taps and insert tools needed.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,012
Re: OMC Cobra Transom Pivot Housing Helicoil

Can I install the new insert with a long set of needle nose pliers or do I need to buy the installation tool? I'm concerned about not being able to get the insert threaded in all the way or

Ayuh,.... I Don't Do OMCs,...
But,...
I Do do helicoils...

If it's an Insert,... All bets are off,... I've never seen these OMCs...An Insert isn't a Helicoil....
If it's a Helicoil,..
The tap is specfic as eliminator said,..
The driving tool is easily made by grinding a step in the end of a like sized, threaded bolt....
It just needs to engage the tab on the helicoil til sunk to grade, then unscrewed,..
Break the driving tab off,+ it's ready to go...

If I've got the time to set the helicoil in thread locker, I will... Atleast overnight...
Otherwise, if it's goin' together,... I wouldn't use it,... It'll lock the bolts along with the helicoils...
 

rodbolt

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 1, 2003
Messages
20,066
Re: OMC Cobra Transom Pivot Housing Helicoil

from the factory that gimbal housing had a helicoil.
you dont need a tap you just need to make sure the housing threads are clean of any sealer and not damaged.
the installer can be made from a bolt with the same thread size.
you will need to grind a tab on the end of the correct sized bolt to hook the heli coil drive tang.
used to do a bunch years back here in the salt pond
the thread galling was fairly common as both threads are about the same grade stainless and tended to try to friction weld together.
not difficult but best I recall the shoulder screws and inserts were kind of pricey.
 

e016188

Cadet
Joined
Jun 16, 2009
Messages
27
Re: OMC Cobra Transom Pivot Housing Helicoil

Hello,

I did borrow an STI thread tap and the insert installation tool from the development machine shop where I work. They were most helpfull in allowing me to borrow the tools. The helicoil is indeed a production configuration from the factory. The helicoil insert was ~$13 each. I purchased 2 inserts. The first one I broke trying to install with makeshift tooling.

A simple repair with the correct tools.

Thanks for the help:)
 
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