Outboard mounting bolts seized

Feb 16, 2021
323
Hunter Legend 35.5 Bellingham
I had this issue with a Honda this past year and the dealer explained to NOT use the handles at all, but take the biggest crescent wrench I had and place it on the non-handle end and then tighten and loosen after doing the various lubricants, etc. and after some back and forth the screws backed just fine.
Thanks. I don’t see anywhere to put a crescent, short of removing the handles and attaching it there. Maybe a pipe wrench at the lower end of the threads where I’m least likely to need them…
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Jan 11, 2014
12,338
Sabre 362 113 Fair Haven, NY
Put the wrench on the handle from the round end. The pressure from the wrench will be on the metal pin that holds the handle to the screw and not on the handle so the handle should not be damaged, except perhaps for a few scratches.
 
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Jan 4, 2006
7,040
Hunter 310 West Vancouver, B.C.
Got time to waste ? ? ? Maybe it's time to get ridiculous.

1. Find a nut of the same diameter and pitch as the spindle.
2. Cut the nut in half (into two pieces) with a hack saw, parallel to the axis as shown.

1654542194616.png


3. Press both halves on to the male threads OB spindle using your fingers. This will prove if the pitch and OD of the nut are correct.
4. Squeeze a vice grip on the outer opposing faces of the two half nuts and see if you can apply any significant torque to the vice grip handle without slippage of the nut.
5. The removed material from sawing the nuts in half will provide clearance for the nuts to compress tightly on the male threads of the spindle, hopefully with torque but without damage to the threads.
6. Clean threads without oil or grease may increase the friction.

This may save a few threads as opposed to using a small pipe wrench on the inner end of the spindle.
The only additional recommended assistance here would be to throw a few coins in the poor box next Sunday :biggrin:. If it works , use it.
 
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Sep 24, 2018
3,097
Catalina 30 MKIII Chicago
It looks like theres some dirt on those threads which could be the reason why you're having issues. Try Kroil or acetone/ATF as a penetrating oil once a day over the course of a week
1654542963910.png


Also, is modifying the mount it's bolted to an option? An oscilating tool might be able shave away enough plastic to get it off
 
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Sep 24, 2018
3,097
Catalina 30 MKIII Chicago
Don't forget to try lubricating the joint between the "bolt" and the "foot"
1654608073473.png


The threads near the handle definitely look warped. I would also suggest having someone push and pull forward and back on the lower end as you try to turn the handles as this might relieve some pressure. I'm guessing this is hanging off of a stern rail and not a boat? If so, I'd look at getting a saw blade between the plastic of the mount and that foot or heat up the foot to soften the plastic (the outboard will push into the plastic and thus relieving pressure). It's easier and cheaper to replace the mount than parts on the outboard
 
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Jan 4, 2006
7,040
Hunter 310 West Vancouver, B.C.
Don't forget to try lubricating the joint between the "bolt" and the "foot"
Excellent point. That large diameter pad requires a large turning moment to rotate it if it's frozen at that point.

The threads near the handle definitely look warped.
Got to wonder if it's more the effect of the camera. Even if a little warped, I'd expect sooooooome turning of the threaded bolt. I'd still say it's galled, but good.
 
Jan 4, 2006
7,040
Hunter 310 West Vancouver, B.C.
4. Squeeze a vice grip on the outer opposing faces of the two half nuts and see if you can apply any significant torque to the vice grip handle without slippage of the nut.
@skunther

I know this is obvious, but the split nut Rube Goldberg device is used while cranking on the plastic handle. You'll need all the torque you can get to start this baby moving.
 
Feb 16, 2021
323
Hunter Legend 35.5 Bellingham
Update - finally got it loosened. I’ve been hitting it regularly with ATF/acetone mix, a small butane torch, and a long crescent wrench. Finally got the bugger to budge yesterday, and after more coercion, got it to budge more, then more… now have antiseize on all the threads.
Now I have to figure out why my cutoff switch no longer reliably cuts off the engine.
 

jviss

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Feb 5, 2004
7,089
Tartan 3800 20 Westport, MA
This is a good reminder to put some grease on those bolts on my outboard, thanks!