Steering bolts

[lyt]

Hey guys,

Can you all take a look at this.....

Volvo outdrive 290A -- Steering issue - The Hull Truth - Boating and Fishing Forum

There is no way on God's Green Earth I am going to type the whole thing out again....

the bottom line questions after all troubleshooting is the following:

1) Are the correct bolts 8m x 1.25?
2) Why dont the OEM volvo bolts fit?
3) What is the easiest remedy?
4) Can I tap it?
5) should I replace the helicoil if possible?

 

[Don S]

Re: Steering bolts

1) Are the correct bolts 8m x 1.25?
2) Why dont the OEM volvo bolts fit?
3) What is the easiest remedy?
4) Can I tap it?
5) should I replace the helicoil if possible?

Those are the wrong bolts, not oem at all. Put the right bolts in it and most of that slop will go away.

Volvo PN is 941807

 

[lyt]

Re: Steering bolts

Don,

forgive me but, you didn't read the rest of the post.

that is not the issue.....
I have the OEM new bolts.

 

[lyt]

Re: Steering bolts

Ok, let me sum up the other post quickly.


1) Phillips head bolts I know are wrong, they were there when i bought the boat.
2) I got new OEM Volvo BOLTS and tried to insert them but they are too big and do not thread.
3) Not sure if the PO already helicoiled or just the threads are messed up. but my best guess is that hole is simply too small now.
4) Trying to decide what is the best course of action to remedy this

a) replace helicoil?
b) tap thread?

 

[Don S]

Re: Steering bolts

At first, I didn't notice there were two pages on the other forum, I don't go there, so not used to their format.

My guess is someone heli-coiled it to the wrong size. You could try removing the old helicoils and putting in the right ones. If it doesn't work, you will need a new clamp ring and reshim.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Steering bolts

I would start looking on ebay for parts. someone boogered it up badly and used the wrong helicoils. you may be able to go with a stainless time-sert (larger od threads then a helicoil)

 

[lyt]

Re: Steering bolts

ok...

I do know that 8m x 1.25 is a pretty standard coil.

I can probably find this at an auto parts store.

 

[lyt]

Re: Steering bolts

ok...debating on how to fix this issue.

bottom line--threads are too small. this is not an issue of just cleaning out the threads with tapping, I'm sure of it.

What are my choices... get a helicoil removal tool? take them out and put new ones in?

or should I attempt to just tap it?

I am trying to do this with the least chance of a major screw up (no pun intended)

do i run the risk of damaging anything if i just pull them out with some pliers?

 

[Don S]

Re: Steering bolts

Give it a try, it's not worth anything the way it is.

 

[lyt]

Re: Steering bolts

ok.... helicoils are out....

so easy....

most know this but....here is how i did it.....
just compress with a pair of needle nose and spin counterclockwise.....

so if i just get a m8 x 1.25 coil....it should be fine?

 

[Don S]

Re: Steering bolts

Have you tried putting the bolts in there with the helicoil out, It looks like the right size for the OEM bolts

 

[lyt]

Re: Steering bolts

Can someone do me a favor.....

I'm not sure I have the correct bolts....

can you give a dial caliper measurement on the outside threads?

here is the measurement of my new bolts.... I am trying to figure out if somehow i got the wrong ones.

are they supposed to have a helicoil? or originally not?

 

[lyt]

Re: Steering bolts

the bolts do not fit....they need a helicoil...

but i am very confused.....

m8 coil wont work, because the bolts "push" the threads apart as i test and put the bolts in.... i will end up with the same problem as last time.

it seems the outside diameter is the problem.

 

[Don S]

Re: Steering bolts

Try a 3/8-16 nut on the OEM bolts. You may be trying to go Metric and shouldn't.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Steering bolts

I bet the OE nuts are 3/8-16 as Don mentioned.

 

[lyt]

Re: Steering bolts

ok found the culprit.

bolts are 3/8-16

yes that is the correct bolt size

i have the inserts....now i need the tool. there really is no way to install these coils without the tool.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Steering bolts

no, and you will need the correct tap. a helicoil kit comes with a drill, tap, tool, and the inserts. the whole kit is about $30. the replacement inserts are much much less, however are just that, the replacement inserts for the kit.

 

[lyt]

Re: Steering bolts

no, and you will need the correct tap. a helicoil kit comes with a drill, tap, tool, and the inserts. the whole kit is about $30. the replacement inserts are much much less, however are just that, the replacement inserts for the kit.

yes the bolts are in...thanks all.....

3/8 is correct.... wierd that volvo uses 3/8 and not metric.

no retapping needed... the threads were still good.

it seems the PO put the wrong sized helicoils in with wrong bolts. no wonder they failed.

 

[Don S]

Re: Steering bolts

Good to hear. Wasn't as bad as you thought. All because some previous owner tried to half-azz it together.