Trim tab stud bolt broken

[PrplGld]

1992 Nissan NS90A (SN 3B7-1-15212)

I was replacing the trim tab and the stud broke. It broke again when I tried to back it out, it didn't move at all. It seems to be stuck pretty good. Repair shop says to take off the lower unit and drop it off with them for a few days. How much time/money will it take to get this done?

I'm not mechanically gifted but I can get things done, is there a way for me to do this cheap or should I not attempt it?

I plan to sand/paint for those who would poke fun at my photo.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Trim tab stud bolt broken

Drill out the cnter of the stud and then collapse the remains of the stud, then extract it out.

 

[PrplGld]

Re: Trim tab stud bolt broken

Drill out the cnter of the stud and then collapse the remains of the stud, then extract it out.

I was worried about mistakenly drilling through and damaging the threads, I suppose it shouldn't be too difficult to keep it straight.

 

[gss036]

Re: Trim tab stud bolt broken

Do not use a standard drill bit. Spend about 5 bucks and buy a couple different size of colbat/tungsten bits. Start w/ 1/8" and then go up a little bit.
Be patient and take your time.

 

[PrplGld]

Re: Trim tab stud bolt broken

Do not use a standard drill bit. Spend about 5 bucks and buy a couple different size of colbat/tungsten bits. Start w/ 1/8" and then go up a little bit.
Be patient and take your time.

OK, sounds good

 

[PrplGld]

Re: Trim tab stud bolt broken

Do not use a standard drill bit. Spend about 5 bucks and buy a couple different size of colbat/tungsten bits. Start w/ 1/8" and then go up a little bit.
Be patient and take your time.

Made a few mistakes but finally got it right: Cobalt bits, low rpms, and plenty of cutting fluid. Problem is, the extractor broke off in the hole, accompanied by plenty of colorful language (wife/kids weren't home). So, I'm considering trying again. Or is a motor without a trim tab/anode a bad idea?

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Trim tab stud bolt broken

You need the tab.

 

[gss036]

Re: Trim tab stud bolt broken

Wish I had mentioned to keep going bigger on drill bits until you could cave in the thread w/a small center punch and peel out. Now you really have a job. Easyouts are very hard and brittle. Maybe you can use a center punch on the easy out and get it to loosen up so you can extract it. Any chance in getting vice grips on the end that is sticking out?
Just another after thought. There looks to be about 1 1/2 threads left, can you get a nut started onto it? If so, start it and then weld the nut to the bolt.
I like to use Blaster PB instead of WD-40, it penetrates better.

 

[dancudayo]

Re: Trim tab stud bolt broken

I had the same problem with every bolt on my lower unit, thank god they all broke off with some thread available to crimp on a vice grip, lots of wd-40 and hitting the vice grips with a hammer, sometimes if you can turn the bolt like you would be screwing it in then go back out, that can help alot, I also used a propane heater on the bolts to make them swell up and swell down, with more wd-40, some say this isn't good on aluminum, but it was my only option. Count on spending a few days off and on with that bolt, just hitting it. I don't like them extractors, they almost always break on me! the drilling most of the bolt out sounds good but only as a last option, you can't always getting the hole centered. Make sure you got a strong hand to really get them vice grips on as tight as you possibly can too, when you hit it with the hammer it will dig into the bolt helping it too get a grip. Be ready for some busted up knuckles! I feel your pain bro, but just be patient and it will start to come out!

 

[45Auto]

Re: Trim tab stud bolt broken

Email me if you still need help on it this weekend. I am in Slidell. Best way I've found to remove a broken bolt is to TIG weld a washer to the bolt, then TIG a nut to the washer. The heat from the welding will help break the corrosion loose then you can turn it out. I've done lots of broken bolts like this.

 

[PrplGld]

Re: Trim tab stud bolt broken

It looks now like the only way is to drill it out and collapse it in. That extractor was in really solid and I gave everything I had when it broke, I really don't think that bolt will turn. Now there might only be a hair of the bolt above the hole, really nothing to weld or grab onto. Thanks 45 but I've gotta work this weekend. I might be able to work out the broken extractor and drill in with a larger bit. I'll prob have to drill just a little next to the extractor with a 1/8 though. I should have a few hours in the morning to get some work done.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Trim tab stud bolt broken

Bolt doesn't need to be sticking up. Just as easy to weld the washer to it with it broken off flush or a little below the surface.

If you're going to try to drill it out, an 1/8" carbide Dremel bit (about $10 at Home Depot) will cut through the Easy Out.

Good luck!

 

[PrplGld]

Re: Trim tab stud bolt broken

Sorry it took so long to get back to you guys on this. That bolt was a lost cause, I finally took a grinder to it and took off about .5" then tried another extractor, broke again. I sanded and painted then I drilled/tapped two holes. I drilled corresponding holes in the tab, works great.

I got the wrong color blue, the white hazy stuff is a coat of wax.

Looks bad, Runs great!

The two extra holes were for an old fin that was on the motor when I got it.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Trim tab stud bolt broken

That blue color is a crime