Cutlass Bearing Set Screws

[Tucson Sailor]

In preparing to change the cutlass bearing on 1996 C30, we discovered the set scews on the prop strut would not hold the size 3.5 Allen wrench which just spins. It begins to bite and then just pops off. Size 3 is too small and size 4 won't fit. It appears the hole has been stripped unless there are different type of Allen wrenches like metric and standard?

Will drilling the set screws out with an Easy Out tool work?
Thanks,
Tim

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

It appears the hole has been stripped unless there are different type of Allen wrenches like metric and standard?

If you're using imperial wrenches, try metric or vice versa.

 

[justsomeguy]

snip- It appears the hole has been stripped unless there are different type of Allen wrenches like metric and standard?

Yes, there are.

Will drilling the set screws out with an Easy Out tool work?
Thanks,
Tim

With the right size Easy Out, you wouldn't even need to drill, but I'd try using a penetrating agent and a little heat/tapping before doing this.

 

[Tucson Sailor]

Thanks guys, i've been giving it some PB Blaster for about a week as we worked on other projects. I'll recheck my wrenches before going in with a drill. Tim

 

[woodster]

if you have to drill get a proper size left handed drill bit from napa it will be your friend

 

[chrisings]

I just did mine in the spring and the set screws were definitely fractional. 9/64" or 5/32" perhaps. Also second the left hand drill bit, great tool. Mine, we have an '83, were pretty stripped so I redrilled the holes over size and tapped for the next size larger set screw.

 

[nlneilson]

I just changed my strut bearing a couple months ago.
I used the plastic bearing which is something like delrin, very tough and resists wear.
There were no set screws and I didn't put any in.
I have never seen a strut bearing that has moved or rotated, there should be enough press or interference fit if you have the correct bearing.