Edson Pedestal Service Problem

[Rag Bagger]

I was trying to service the cables in my pedestal last weekend and found that I could not remove the four screws under my compass to access the throttle and shift cables. I have a 1984 Catalina 30 with an Edson pedestal. I was able to remove the compass with no problem but I could only remove one of the four screws holding the compass mounting section. The one screw was fairley long and only a standard flat head screw type. I soaked the three screws in everything available and nothing helped. I bought a new larger screw driver and used a wrench. I hand someone tap the screw driver as I put pressure. No movement except a small amount of flex in the screw itself. I am affraid of braking the pedistal and really having problems. Anyone have suggestions> Thanks.

 

[Stu Jackson]

What's "soaked in everything available" mean? Did you use PB Blaster? Have you considered heat? Have you physically tapped the screws?

 

[Rag Bagger]

Stu, I did try PB Blaster, and other brands. I tapped the screws but I did not try heat because only the heads are visable and the screw is at least four inches long. I was going to grind off the heads to expose the long shaft of the screw and get to the point of attachment. i was affraid I might bite off more than I can chew.

 

[Stu Jackson]

RB, if you cut the heads off you'll need an easy out, which is not half as easy as the name implies. I know it's hard, but I recommend some, a lot of, patience. Don't know how long you've never tried to do that, but you've got stainless screws in aluminum. Once you get 'em out, use Lanocote on the threads when you put 'em back. Good luck.

 

[tomfoolery]

I would concur with Stu. I have an 83 cat30 and about 10 years ago I found the same problem. SS machine screws into aluminum threads are a no/no - don't know why edson did it that way. I tried soaking fluids and an impact driver w/o success. I used a cut off wheel in a drill to remove the four ss screw heads and then drilled and used an extractor to get the headless screws out. With new machine screws I used a thread islolating product like Stu suggests and it works as I check the screws yearly and they have not seized. Take your time, plan it out, and it'll work... now's the time to do it so you have access to that important area of the steering system.

 

[jrowan]

I thought U weren't supposed to replace or work on those cables until they snap under severe load out in the middle of the Chesapeake, hah. Glad I have a back up tiller mount.

 

[shipwreck66]

I'm glad I saw this, it explains what's been nagging me about my '84 for some time. I just failed to believe someone would drill and tap aluminum to accept stainless steel in a water environment, yet I find it over and over and over with nods to Evinrude especially. Thank God for liquid wrench.