Stuck Screws

[slow_boat]

Bought a used lower unit. Screws in skeg/lower gearcase housing will not budge. Need to remove it because it has an oil leak around the shift rod. Have had the lower unit upside down & the screw head recesses soaking in wd-40 for 5 days--still no go. Do not want to break them off in the lower unit housing...any suggestions? Have manuals & I am (have been in the past) a pretty good fix-it guy. Do not own a TIG welder to burn them out. Should I try heating the upper portion of the lower unit where the tappings are (would like not to burn the paint if possible) or should I just have them drilled & tapped @ a machine shop, assuming I can find one to do it?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[S.T. Marine]

Re: Stuck Screws

You can heat up the bolts holding the lower to the mid section with a mapp torch. Make sure you do not melt the aluminum. Just get the bolt red hot and try to move it back and forth untill it comes out.

 

[slow_boat]

Re: Stuck Screws

Thanks S.T.<br /><br />I just love it when my web browser hangs up & then I end up with a double post of the same question.<br /><br />Regardless, I must not have been clear on my post...it is not the bolts that secure the lower unit to the leg but, the flat head screws that secure the lower gearcase housing to the lower unit that are frozen.

 

[S.T. Marine]

Re: Stuck Screws

What kind of motor a Johnson or evinrude??? Must be?? Let me know

 

[slow_boat]

Re: Stuck Screws

Its a 69 Johnson...think someone (factory?) must have gotten gasket sealer? on screws or in holes when assembling the lower unit <sigh>