Trim tab removal, Alpha 1

[Ronandbeck]

This may sound stupid... I am pretty handy so I got me a shop manual. I want to replace the impeller on my 1990 bayliner Alpha one. I did step one, drained the lower unit, then when I got to step two, remove the trim tab, I got STUCK. I took the cap off, and looked down the hole. It appears that the bolt holding the tab on is bigger then the hole they give you to get to it. I can't get a socket on it, and there she sits... Any Ideas?

 

[Don S]

Re: Trim tab removal, Alpha 1

It's either a 5/16 or 3/8" allen wrench. <br />Us someone put a real bolt in there, there is no way they could have put the bolt in the drive that is under the anode. They couldn't have put the anode on.

 

[Ronandbeck]

Re: Trim tab removal, Alpha 1

Thanks for the quick reply, Don, but it is a smooth top on the bolt and it is almost as big as the bottom of the opening.Is it possible that the tab itself could have been spun on to it? I am afraid to try it for fear it may break.<br />Ronnie

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Trim tab removal, Alpha 1

Anything is possible I suppose. If you are worried about breaking the tab - you need not worry. Break away! They are designed to be replaced and are cheap. I had to take one off "by force" when the bolt, (allen type) striped. It's been long enough now that I don't remember for sure what method I used, but I think I burned it off. Some have drilled, some have cut, etc. Once you get it apart you can change both the tab and the bolt.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Trim tab removal, Alpha 1

Just another observation... while it IS possible that anything is possible another possibility, which is more likely, is that you have the correct bolt in there and the center part, where the allen wrench goes, is full of sand and "gunk." Try getting an awl or something similar and scraping at the top of the bolt and see if that helps.<br /><br />If not, before you go and cut away on the old tab, be sure to buy a new one to see what it looks like. You will note that it cannot simply be screwed all the way on as it will only turn so many degrees once it is up in place.

 

[Ronandbeck]

Re: Trim tab removal, Alpha 1

Hey Guys,<br /> Thanx for the input! As far as 'gunk' in the screw hole, I drowned it with WD-40. and stuck a awl to see if that was the case. Unfortunately, it wasn't. I guess it is time to break away. I would say wish me luck, but I am a Christian, so I'll just say "pray for me"<br />

 

[Fishermark]

Re: Trim tab removal, Alpha 1

In addition to the prayer, here is my post with the same problem from a few years ago: Zinc removal

 

[KRS]

Re: Trim tab removal, Alpha 1

I would drill a little hole in it (the bolt), then tap in a screw extractor, and use a wrench to turn the extractor counter-clockwise to back it out.

 

[Ronandbeck]

Re: Trim tab removal, Alpha 1

What a great bunch of guys to take valuable boating time and spend it helping a novice like me!I will wait until I get a couple of more responses (that screw extractor may work if it is long enough) before Iget out the heavy artillery. And how did you fellows get a pic of your boat posted? I tried, and once again, failed...

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Trim tab removal, Alpha 1

Ron, Drill 2-3 1/4" holes through the zinc, on both sides of the "fin" and gently "cut" it with a cold chistle. It will fall off easy

 

[Don S]

Re: Trim tab removal, Alpha 1

Like I tried to explain before, if you can't take it off, then no one could install it after the upper was installed. So it must have had the anode installed prior to installing the upper. Just remove the other bolts that hold the upper and lower together and see if it seperates. <br />With the anode on there, there is NO WAY to install that rear bolt, it's probably just missing.

 

[mike456]

Re: Trim tab removal, Alpha 1

Unless I'm mistaken, when the upper and lower are seperated you could put almost any size bolt on there and tighten it down (which is likely what happened). I would recommend taking the lower unit off (its not that big a deal). Put the correct trim tab and bolt on and while you are there you might as well replace the impeller (also not that big a deal).

 

[Ronandbeck]

Re: Trim tab removal, Alpha 1

O.K. guys, I am so glad none of you know me. I feel like a husband who has to stop and ask directions with his wife in the car...so in-adaquate...so humbling. I tried to seperate the two units with the tab on and they wouldn't budge, so I proceeded to try and take the tab off. I am a born again Christian, and I almost lost my religion out in the driveway! I drilled, I chiseled, I heated, I hammered, I spoke nicely to it. I even tried holding my mouth in a different position. It is half off. The other half is deformed and beat up pretty badly, but it won't let go. Then it started to storm. Once I do get the bugger off, AND I WILL, any hints on how to seperate the two sections? Any of you Captains that live near in Virginia, I will have the missus cook a real southern meal for you for your help or advice! <br />Keeping the faith,<br />Ronnie<br />P.S. I didn't want to take her out this weekend anyhow!

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Trim tab removal, Alpha 1

Ill be in Norfolk Naval Base this weekend.<br />all you need to do is get enough room to remove the allen head bolt that should be in there,unit should split then, then a disc cutter on the head of whatever is holding the rest of the tab on.

 

[Ronandbeck]

Re: Trim tab removal, Alpha 1

Hey BT Doctur!<br /> What time can you be here and do you like gravy? The bolt that is holding on for dear life is not an allen bolt. I am hoping once I get the rest of the tab off and slide the bolt out that the units slide apart, but they are pretty stuck. Got rained out today, stay tuned for the further adventures of Ronnie, the wanna be boat mechanic.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Trim tab removal, Alpha 1

the bolt that holds the zinc does not hold the unit together. there is an allen head under the zinc.you must either remove it or verify that is it not there BEFORE you try to split the housing.<br />SEVERE DAMAGE will result.<br />drop me an email with a number or ill send mine<br />EJDSR251@aol.com