Edson Pedestal

[NYSail]

Hello all.....I was trying to check under the compass on my Edson pedestal to lubricate the cables. There are 4 screws under the stainless cover that holds the plastic base on. However I cannot get any of the screws to back out. Used all sorts of screw driver tools and they will not loosen. Have also beeen putting PB Blaster on, however I am not sure it is getting through the washers. The screws have a plastic washer under the head. I was thinking about breaking the washer and then using a lubricating oil to soak the screws.This is a 751/816 model and yes I did check the web site and saw the diagram, however nothing about tough screws....Any advise.....ThanksGreg

 

[Boat Babe]

Sorry, I can't help

But want to hear the answers since I have had the same problem and can't get those 4 screws loose either. Why couldn't they have used hex nuts??? I just got a Cal 28 (1987) and want to lubricate the shift lever and try to tighten my wheel brake. good luck.

 

[Ross]

Try a carpenters bit brace.

You can put your weight on them and have a six inch crank with which to turn them.

 

[okiman]

File them square

Try filing the screw head square and use a small wrench or socket.

 

[stevelrose]

Same thing here

Mine were a bear to get off, too. Ended up with a screwdriver bit on a ratchet and lots of elbow grease. I don't think the associated profanity helped too much, but it sure made me feel better at the time.

 

[Gary Kunkel]

Common problem

This is a very common problem. I had the same situation and spoke with the folks at Edson. Unfortunately, although it's a common problem, there is no easy solution. We tried all sorts of penetrating oils, heat, combinations of wrenches, etc. In the end, I actually cut the binnacle completely off using a dremel tool with a cutting wheel. That allowed me to get better access to the frozen bolts. Finally, I was able to get vice grips onto them and (with great difficulty) break them free. Had to buy a new binnacle when reassembling everything. Edson now makes coated bolts that are far less prone to seizure, but if you take things apart now and then to lube the cables, you should be able to avoid this problem in the future.Gary

 

[Steve2747]

Same Problem

I was able to finally break the screws loose by using the largest screwdriver possible that would fit into the screw head. Then leaning my weight into the screwdriver I was finally able to break the screws loose. Not easy, but I ended up not messing up the screw heads or anything - luck played more a part of it than anything else I'm sure...

 

[Ross]

Often times you can use a screwdriver

with a square shank and an adjustable wrench to turn the screwdriver.Coating the screw threads with pipe dope will keep them from seizing forever. Alcohol is the best solvent for cleaning up pipe dope smears.

 

[RAD]

Impact driver

Go online to Ebay and do search for this tool or go to a good auto supply store,you will have these screws loose in no time provided you don't strip the heads,when reinstalling put some never seize compound on the threads.

 

[Ross]

I have a friend that had an out drive with a

screw that would not yield to any method that he had in his book of experience. I brow beat him into trying a bit brace and a new phillips bit. He was quite astonished that he could back out the screws that would not yield to an impact driver, screwdriver bits on 3/8 drive ratchets, or anything else he tried . He was quite convinced that the screws had been dipped in epoxy before they were set.

 

[Don s/v Tellico]

Had a similar problem

when trying to get my shaft coupling loosened last year. My father and I kept trying every substance known to man to break the bolts loose. Old guy working at the boatyard kept telling us they would eventually come loose and that we could either keep trying or pay him to do the same thing. After many days soaking and trying, they finally did.Without his constantly encouraging us, I'm not sure what we would have done. Seems it patience, persistence and luck ... none of which I was blessed with. BTW, I've used vinegar on aluminum/ss parts that wouldn't break loose. Someone somewhere said that sometimes works. Just another tool to try...

 

[Cap'n Ron]

Oxnard - Channel Islands Marina

Gary, Any relation to John Kunkel in Tiburon, Marin?I brought a cutter up from C.I. Marina last month sold by executive there next to the new travel-lift...

 

[NYSail]

Edson

Talked with the folks at Edson....what great people. Guy knew my boat set-up, sent me spec sheet and talked for about 15 minutes on what I should do regarding the maintenance of the unit.He said that if left alone (20-years) the stainless screws and the aluminum stand kind of bond together....(a good anti seize will help when replacing). Said if I cannot get the screws out, use a drummel and cut the heads off, lift the engine control portion off the pedestol, use some penetrating oil and grab the screw with vise grips. Thats how they do it.When at the boat last I cut into the plastic washers and sprayed PB Blaster (penetrating oil) into the area with the hope that some will find its was down. I have an electric impact screw driver that I will use and see what happens.Thanks to everyone for all the advise. I will take some pictures and post my results.Greg