Removing trim senders screws

[Cruize]

'97 Alpha Gen 2 outdrive
I could not loosen the screws holding the trim senders to the transom. I started soaking them in rust penetrant. If I can't get them out with an impact driver, what do I do next? Heat with propane? Butane? Acetylene? Do I try and snap the screw heads off so I can salvage the trim senders and then drill the screws out?

 

[Scott06]

had to drill and tap mine out #10-32 i belive

 

[kenny nunez]

If the screws have to finally be broken off the best easiest way is to drill new holes clocked about 1/4” from the broken screws. You will need a #21 or a 5/32” drill bit then with a 10/32 tap thread new holes. There is no way you will be able to drill out the old screws without making bigger holes.

 

[tpenfield]

I would try some heat on the gimbal ring as close to the screws as you can get, followed by some freeze spray right on the screws.

Also, you could see if you can get some Barnacle Buster to soak into the screw threads for a day or so.

The screws are small, and will snap off easily, so you might be doing a drill and re-thread to make new fastener locations. Marine grease on the threads when you re-install the senders.

 

[alldodge]

Impact screwdriver maybe, gets struck with a hammer
https://www.amazon.com/impact-screwdriver/s?k=impact+screwdriver

 

[04fxdwgi25]

I would try some heat on the gimbal ring as close to the screws as you can get, followed by some freeze spray right on the screws.

Also, you could see if you can get some Barnacle Buster to soak into the screw threads for a day or so.

The screws are small, and will snap off easily, so you might be doing a drill and re-thread to make new fastener locations. Marine grease on the threads when you re-install the senders.

Don't know if the plastic trim senders will survive that. If he plans on new ones, though, melt away.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Dip the next screws in permatex #3 (aviation)

Fill the holes with permatex

That will keep the screws from corroding in the housing

 

[dubs283]

Ime with a stuck sender mounting screw one will come out easy and the other will break off

I've had some success by backing out a stuck screw a half a turn then re tightening it multiple times. Kinda slow but works 50/50

No worries on a broken screw, just drill and tap a new hole like others have suggested. Or just use one screw, ought to be okay. It's not like you're going to the moon with it

 

[chs marine service]

if you have a stud left from the screw, get some map gas, heat the hell out of the stud and put a pair if vise grips on it, if hot enough it will come out.

 

[Cruize]

Thank you for the responses.
Multiple applications of penetrating oil, hammering the screws, and use of a manual impact driver finally allowed me to remove all four screws. The two bolts behind the trim senders loosened up with ease.

 

[ScottinAZ]

Thank you for the responses.
Multiple applications of penetrating oil, hammering the screws, and use of a manual impact driver finally allowed me to remove all four screws. The two bolts behind the trim senders loosened up with ease.

Could have been a bit of sealant on the threads that acted more like a thread locker than a sealant. If you havent already reassembled, I would chase the threads in the housing to clean any crap out of them. Cheap insurance for next time when (not if) you have to take those screws out again. As others have stated, either a non-hardening sealant, or even a marine grease will make your life easier next time.