Help!

[Lysle Seelig]

I know this is off topic somewhat but I need some suggestions. I have a depth finder mounted through the cabin bulkhead next to the companionway, (Catalina 27,) which needs to come out. The LED readout is toast and I want to send it in for repair. The problem is that I can only get one of the mounting screws out, (goes through a ring/plate on the back of the instrument and screws into the back of the outer ring/lip on the face.) There are three screws holding this ring in place. My fear is that the PO used 5200 to seal it when he installed it or possibly loctite on the screws. Does anyone know of something that might loosen up either product so I can get my depth finder display out for repair?Regards,Lysle

 

[Ron F]

screwed depth finder gage

Are the back of the screws accessible from inside the cabin?Are they screws (with points) or bolts? If the fasteners are in with loctite, applying heat to the screws will make it easier to remove the screws. Just be careful of the obvious. You can drill out the screws by using progressively larger drills until you get to the major diameter of the screw. Use a starting or spotting drill first, to guide the first drill.I have not heard of anything that will release the 3M 5200 product. I have heard that it is typically stronger than the fiberglass it is attached to. DO NOT try to pry the gage off... you may either destroy the gage or worse, lift a section of fiberglass off. Just because you get the screws out, you may still not be able to remove the gage if it was sealed with the 5200 stuff.You can call 3M to their product support people and ask their advice. They are generally very good and helpful. If you find anything out, please post it here. Good luck.

 

[Lysle Seelig]

Ron,

Yes, they are machine screws of sorts... The one I got out looks more like a set screw than a normal screw. All is accessable from inside the cabin. Any suggestions on how to/what kind of heat source might be able to be directed to just the area needed? Might a souldering iron work? I'm at a bit of a standstill here. I'm also a bit reluctant to try the drill out method until it's last resort time. The screws are inset in the ring and it looks like it might be quite difficult, if not impossible, to hit center for a pilot hole unless I started with a bit that fills the inset. Then the retaining ring is also toast... May be my only option though.Thanks for your help.Regards,Lysle

 

[Ron F]

lysle

My C-27 has a Standard Horizon model 45 depthfinder. I will not be back to my boat until saturday. Hopefully your is similar to mine. I will check with the mechanics at work tomorrow about the quanity of heat and what would be the best source. I would guess that most soldering irons these days are low wattage (27 w) since work on printed circuits boards can be delecate and damaged easiliy by heat. The "pencil" type often come in replaceable cartridges that vary the temperature. I have seen small butane torches that have very small jets that would help in localizing the flame. I'll get more info.