Volvo-Penta DP-G outdrive: can't remove hinge pin....

[mr. sandman]

I have a 2003 DP-G drive that is more than stubborn. I bought the boat last year and this has not been off the boat yet and I want to get it off, replace all the rubber and clamps and clean it up and repaint it. It has been a struggle but I have managed to get all the pins off except the port side hinge pin. Most were able to get off with heat, and some force and a lot of patience but this last one pin will not budge.

This has a stainless pin that is held in place by a set screw. I was able to get the set screw out but some of the threads were stripped but it is out. There is a "special tool" which looks like a small slide hammer used to float (drive) these pins out. Not powerful enough for this job.
On the starboard side, I was able to move the pin in a little using a small 3# sledge and short socket extension (which fits the pins' head well), once I moved it in a little I was able to pull it out using a 5# slide hammer. The port side will not budge. I even tried putting a propane torch to it and then tried moving it. No luck. I then rigged up a 1/2 SS bolt and was able to get a nut on the inside and put a lot of pulling force on it with a breaker bar and still no luck. I don't want to hit this with any more force as I am afraid I could brake the Aluminum Shield.


Any ideas on what to try next? Dynamite?

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo-Penta DP-G outdrive: can't remove hinge pin....

Turn the drive so there is clearance for the pin to miss the steering fork, then with a BRASS drift (don't even think about using something harder) and a LOT of heat, drive the pin in towards the ujoint bellows.
IF, the pin has a threaded hole in it, I have in the past drilled it out a bit bigger 3/8" I think, and used a pin punch that came with my air hammer in the hole with heat and it came right out. I replaced the pin after drilling it out.

 

[mr. sandman]

Re: Volvo-Penta DP-G outdrive: can't remove hinge pin....

Turn the drive so there is clearance for the pin to miss the steering fork, then with a BRASS drift (don't even think about using something harder) and a LOT of heat, drive the pin in towards the ujoint bellows.
IF, the pin has a threaded hole in it, I have in the past drilled it out a bit bigger 3/8" I think, and used a pin punch that came with my air hammer in the hole with heat and it came right out. I replaced the pin after drilling it out.

Don,
Thanks for your reply. Did you use an air hammer to drive it in?

My pin has no threads. It is a stainless slug with a 1/2-5/8" (or thereabouts) hole thru it. There is a divot or grove in it where the set screw is suppose to pass and secure the pins position.

When you say a lot of heat...propane or should I step up to acetylene?

If you scroll down to the bottom of this page: http://www.albemarleboatowners.com/...&start=0&sid=2298289536df91a972d44f43fda018be
You will see what the "pin" looks like. I will take a few photos tomorrow to illustrate my situation better.

Anyway, thank you so much for your thoughts.

Jim

 

[Don S]

Re: Volvo-Penta DP-G outdrive: can't remove hinge pin....

should I step up to acetylene?

YES, propane is slow heating, you get everything hot. What you want to try to do is heat the aluminum housing quickly and drive the pin out before it (the pin) gets too hot.
On the drive side, there is a plastic bushing that will melt out. They have a tendency to lock the pin in when corrosion builds up between the fork and the plastic bushing, and it squeezes the pin.
Just be careful and don't melt the aluminum, you don't need that hot.
I have a large brass drift for those pins.

 

[mr. sandman]

Re: Volvo-Penta DP-G outdrive: can't remove hinge pin....

YES, propane is slow heating, you get everything hot. What you want to try to do is heat the aluminum housing quickly and drive the pin out before it (the pin) gets too hot.
On the drive side, there is a plastic bushing that will melt out. They have a tendency to lock the pin in when corrosion builds up between the fork and the plastic bushing, and it squeezes the pin.
Just be careful and don't melt the aluminum, you don't need that hot.
I have a large brass drift for those pins.

all right that sounds good. I will give that a go.
thanks.

Jim

 

[mr. sandman]

Re: Volvo-Penta DP-G outdrive: can't remove hinge pin....

YES, propane is slow heating, you get everything hot. What you want to try to do is heat the aluminum housing quickly and drive the pin out before it (the pin) gets too hot.
On the drive side, there is a plastic bushing that will melt out. They have a tendency to lock the pin in when corrosion builds up between the fork and the plastic bushing, and it squeezes the pin.
Just be careful and don't melt the aluminum, you don't need that hot.
I have a large brass drift for those pins.

It worked! It was like giving birth but it is off! Now the clean-up begins.
Don, thanks for your advice, this thing was a PIA (actually PI Thumb as I hit my thumb with the hammer but it is off and indoors now so I feel good about something)
Again, thanks
Jim