Saltwater corrosion = can't remove part

SkemoFisher

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Joined
Jan 10, 2023
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18
Hi all, I need to replace a trim cylinder on my '74 85hp Johnson. I pulled the cotter pin out of the part that holds it to the bracket.
I tried to remove the pin but it seems like it frozen from the saltwater.
Here's a picture of my dilemma. Any idea on how to remove this pin?,

Thanks
 

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Lou C

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Nov 10, 2002
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Carefully applied heat and a cotter pin extractor.
You can also try one of the many penetrants like freeze off, kroil etc.
I used this tool removing the 4 cotter pins from He11 when I replaced my steering actuator on my '88 Cobra and those weren't even corroded!
 

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racerone

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Dec 28, 2013
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Corrosion products-------In the presence of salt water and oxygen that white powder forms,-----Called aluminum oxide.-----So now there is more material in there ( oxygen ) that jams things up very , very tight.-----So heat can be used to expand the aluminum to loosen up the steel pin.-----Or with a long drill you might be able to drill through the pin.----That weakens the pin.----If you use a big hammer on the pin it might mushroom.----Then you will need a mini atomic bomb to get the pin out !
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Mix ATF & Acetone it's the best penetrating oil on the planet
 

SkemoFisher

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Joined
Jan 10, 2023
Messages
18
Carefully applied heat and a cotter pin extractor.
You can also try one of the many penetrants like freeze off, kroil etc.
I used this tool removing the 4 cotter pins from He11 when I replaced my steering actuator on my '88 Cobra and those weren't even corroded!
I already used heat on it, no go. I'll try the freeze method, nothing to loose trying that way. Thanks
 

SkemoFisher

Cadet
Joined
Jan 10, 2023
Messages
18
Corrosion products-------In the presence of salt water and oxygen that white powder forms,-----Called aluminum oxide.-----So now there is more material in there ( oxygen ) that jams things up very , very tight.-----So heat can be used to expand the aluminum to loosen up the steel pin.-----Or with a long drill you might be able to drill through the pin.----That weakens the pin.----If you use a big hammer on the pin it might mushroom.----Then you will need a mini atomic bomb to get the pin out !
I tried the heat but nothing moves. I don't want to drill as I am not sure that pin is even sold anymore. I looked at the diagrams and can't find that part...
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 28, 2013
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37,678
It is just a stainless pin.-------Sold everywhere.-----Have one made !---Use a proper size bolt and cut to suit.-----No big deal in my opinion.
 

SkemoFisher

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Jan 10, 2023
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It is just a stainless pin.-------Sold everywhere.-----Have one made !---Use a proper size bolt and cut to suit.-----No big deal in my opinion.
It looks like aluminum from the outside, here's a different view of the shock cylinder. The silver dot is the pin.
 

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racerone

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That is NOT a Trim cylinder.----If there is a hydraulic line to this item , it is a TILT ONLY cylinder.-----If there is no oil line to it it is a shock absorber.
 

robert graham

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Apr 16, 2009
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6,908
A small glass jar of muriatic acid( hydrochloric) and an old toothbrush to apply to corroded area….rinse with fresh water as quickly as possible after the acid foaming action loosens the parts….after you’re done spray rinse area very well, dry with compressed air and spray entire area with white lithium grease to protect from future corrrosion….
 

airshot

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Jul 22, 2008
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Also try alternating between heat and cold, the expansion then contraction often breaks them free.
 

SkemoFisher

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Jan 10, 2023
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18
Thanks to all of your suggestions. I removed the pin using the freeze off. It took half a can of spray and some pounding, now its out... I guess thats what happens when the part is almost 50yrs old.
 
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