Outboard bracket stuck on transom!

[brsoo]

Ok so has anyone had this issue? What did you do to get it off? I soaked in PB blaster for 2 days. Finally today I got mad and forced it. One bolt broke free. Other broke off. What are these bolts made from? Aluminum? Stainless steel? Are they easy to drill? Should I heat it up?

 

[brsoo]

Btw it's a ~1966 Johnson 20hp fd-20c? Just got it with a boat. Was thinking of trying to get it running and use. Are they any good? What should I rebuild? It's been sitting for ateast a year.... Thanks

 

[robert graham]

Saltwater corrosion has welded the threads....maybe drill out and re-tap holes for slightly larger bolts....All outboard motor parts and fasteners should be inspected, cleaned and lubricated to prevent this problem....

 

[mjf55]

For your first problem, stuck bolts, there are many threads on that, even in by me on taping, but the main thing you need is patience and heat. I use a mapp torch. For this issue, heat the bracket up by the bolt. Not red, just maybe 10 - 20 seconds ( i think the bracked is aluminum ). Then I spray pb blaster on the BOLT ( heat seems to suck it in the threads ) and then gently try to loosen. A little at a time is all you are looking for.
Do the non broken one first.
When that one is loose, work on the broken one. Get a vise grip in there as close to the transom as possible, and using the same paitent technique, loosen it only enough to remove the motor from the transom.

When it comes off, using the same technique, run it so you are tightening it ( vise grups would have destroyed the thread) to get it out.

Drilling out will be difficult.

 

[boobie]

Don't spare the heat when you're doing this. I've always found more heat the better.

 

[mjf55]

What is the bracket made of? Steel, I agree, more heat the better. Aluminum, careful on the heat.

 

[boobie]

On aluminum you heat it until it puddles, :lol:

 

[Chinewalker]

Bracket is aluminum, thumbscrew is aluminum. I've had success drilling them out - much easier than with steel bolts. Start with a small bit, centered, then work your way to larger bits. Once you get close, you should be able to chase the remaining thumbscrew material with a tap. It it makes access easier, you can cut the back side of the thumbscrew off with a hacksaw to remove the motor from the boat. You can then take the stub of the old thumbscrew with you to match up for the tap if you don't have a set already...

 

[mjf55]

On aluminum you heat it until it puddles, :lol:

HAHAHAH, yup, that fixes THAT problem

 

[MH Hawker]

if you just got it with a boat why is it on a motor stand

 

[brsoo]

Ok. Well it's on a stand because I ripped the transom where there was some bad wood. I was going to replace it anyways. I found another 30hp for $100 that's probably in better shape. I'm eventually going to drill it I think. I'll post results when I get to it.