trim tab removal
 

Trying to replace trim tab on mercruiser outdrive.
5/16 bolt stripped by last owner. Any ideas how
to get it out.

Thanks

trim tab removal
 

let wrote:
Trying to replace trim tab on mercruiser outdrive.
5/16 bolt stripped by last owner. Any ideas how
to get it out.

Thanks

If you mean that the head is rounded off, as opposed to the threads
being stripped, Craftsman makes a set of sockets that work on rounded
heads.

trim tab removal
 

Mine is an allen head bolt. Is it stripped out where an allen wrench would
go in? Those are pretty hard to strip.

Maybe you can hammer a big torque bit into it.

"basskisser" wrote in message
ups.com...

let wrote:
Trying to replace trim tab on mercruiser outdrive.
5/16 bolt stripped by last owner. Any ideas how
to get it out.

Thanks

If you mean that the head is rounded off, as opposed to the threads
being stripped, Craftsman makes a set of sockets that work on rounded
heads.

trim tab removal
 

wrote
Trying to replace trim tab on mercruiser outdrive.
5/16 bolt stripped by last owner. Any ideas how
to get it out.

Separate the lower unit and you can grab the bolt head with pliers or vise
grips and remove it. You gotta drop the LU to replace the bolt anyway.

trim tab removal
 

On Wed, 18 Oct 2006 20:42:19 GMT, "James" wrote:

Mine is an allen head bolt. Is it stripped out where an allen wrench would
go in? Those are pretty hard to strip.

Maybe you can hammer a big torque bit into it.

"basskisser" wrote in message
oups.com...

let wrote:
Trying to replace trim tab on mercruiser outdrive.
5/16 bolt stripped by last owner. Any ideas how
to get it out.

Thanks

If you mean that the head is rounded off, as opposed to the threads
being stripped, Craftsman makes a set of sockets that work on rounded
heads.


Yes it's the 5/16 allen head bolt that stripped.
Kinda hard to get at.Maybe a long drill to drill it out?
How does the lower housing drop without removing
this bolt? Sorry 1st time boat owner know nothing
about outdrives,but eager to learn.
Thanks again

trim tab removal
 

wrote in message
...
On Wed, 18 Oct 2006 20:42:19 GMT, "James" wrote:

Mine is an allen head bolt. Is it stripped out where an allen wrench
would
go in? Those are pretty hard to strip.

Maybe you can hammer a big torque bit into it.

"basskisser" wrote in message
roups.com...

let wrote:
Trying to replace trim tab on mercruiser outdrive.
5/16 bolt stripped by last owner. Any ideas how
to get it out.

Thanks

If you mean that the head is rounded off, as opposed to the threads
being stripped, Craftsman makes a set of sockets that work on rounded
heads.


Yes it's the 5/16 allen head bolt that stripped.
Kinda hard to get at.Maybe a long drill to drill it out?
How does the lower housing drop without removing
this bolt? Sorry 1st time boat owner know nothing
about outdrives,but eager to learn.
Thanks again

No No on drilling it out, It's stainless. Sometimes the allen socket on
these screws fill up with crud. You can scrape the crud out with a special
crud removing tool. If you don't have the special tool, a #1 long blade
screw driver will do.
Jim

trim tab removal
 

On Wed, 18 Oct 2006 21:58:25 GMT, "Jim" wrote:


wrote in message
.. .
On Wed, 18 Oct 2006 20:42:19 GMT, "James" wrote:

Mine is an allen head bolt. Is it stripped out where an allen wrench
would
go in? Those are pretty hard to strip.

Maybe you can hammer a big torque bit into it.

"basskisser" wrote in message
groups.com...

let wrote:
Trying to replace trim tab on mercruiser outdrive.
5/16 bolt stripped by last owner. Any ideas how
to get it out.

Thanks

If you mean that the head is rounded off, as opposed to the threads
being stripped, Craftsman makes a set of sockets that work on rounded
heads.


Yes it's the 5/16 allen head bolt that stripped.
Kinda hard to get at.Maybe a long drill to drill it out?
How does the lower housing drop without removing
this bolt? Sorry 1st time boat owner know nothing
about outdrives,but eager to learn.
Thanks again

No No on drilling it out, It's stainless. Sometimes the allen socket on
these screws fill up with crud. You can scrape the crud out with a special
crud removing tool. If you don't have the special tool, a #1 long blade
screw driver will do.
Jim

Allen wrench fits in (no crud) Inside edges of allen
bolt rounded so wrench just turns inside head.
Doesn't a "cobalt drill bit" drill stainless?
Thanks for your help

trim tab removal
 

wrote in message
...
On Wed, 18 Oct 2006 21:58:25 GMT, "Jim" wrote:


wrote in message
. ..
On Wed, 18 Oct 2006 20:42:19 GMT, "James" wrote:

Mine is an allen head bolt. Is it stripped out where an allen wrench
would
go in? Those are pretty hard to strip.

Maybe you can hammer a big torque bit into it.

"basskisser" wrote in message
egroups.com...

let wrote:
Trying to replace trim tab on mercruiser outdrive.
5/16 bolt stripped by last owner. Any ideas how
to get it out.

Thanks

If you mean that the head is rounded off, as opposed to the threads
being stripped, Craftsman makes a set of sockets that work on rounded
heads.


Yes it's the 5/16 allen head bolt that stripped.
Kinda hard to get at.Maybe a long drill to drill it out?
How does the lower housing drop without removing
this bolt? Sorry 1st time boat owner know nothing
about outdrives,but eager to learn.
Thanks again

No No on drilling it out, It's stainless. Sometimes the allen socket on
these screws fill up with crud. You can scrape the crud out with a special
crud removing tool. If you don't have the special tool, a #1 long blade
screw driver will do.
Jim

Allen wrench fits in (no crud) Inside edges of allen
bolt rounded so wrench just turns inside head.
Doesn't a "cobalt drill bit" drill stainless?
Thanks for your help
Drilling isn't the answer. If the bolt is truly munged up You will need to
split the case to remove it anyway. Don't make things harder on yourself.
Jim

trim tab removal
 

Are you sure it is 5/16? The replacement bolts have been 3/8 for the last 15
years or so. You still see a 5/16 one every now and then, but give a 3/8 a
shot to see if it fits.

Justin
wrote in message
...
Trying to replace trim tab on mercruiser outdrive.
5/16 bolt stripped by last owner. Any ideas how
to get it out.

Thanks

trim tab removal
 

On Thu, 19 Oct 2006 00:21:44 GMT, "Justin-SEI"
wrote:

Are you sure it is 5/16? The replacement bolts have been 3/8 for the last 15
years or so. You still see a 5/16 one every now and then, but give a 3/8 a
shot to see if it fits.

Justin
wrote in message
.. .
Trying to replace trim tab on mercruiser outdrive.
5/16 bolt stripped by last owner. Any ideas how
to get it out.

Thanks

Almost 100% sure. Outdrive is a pre-alpha (1977)
But tomorrow l"ll give 3/8 a try. Thanks for your
help.

trim tab removal
 

wrote in message
...
On Wed, 18 Oct 2006 21:58:25 GMT, "Jim" wrote:


wrote in message
. ..
On Wed, 18 Oct 2006 20:42:19 GMT, "James" wrote:

Mine is an allen head bolt. Is it stripped out where an allen wrench
would
go in? Those are pretty hard to strip.

Maybe you can hammer a big torque bit into it.

"basskisser" wrote in message
egroups.com...

let wrote:
Trying to replace trim tab on mercruiser outdrive.
5/16 bolt stripped by last owner. Any ideas how
to get it out.

Thanks

If you mean that the head is rounded off, as opposed to the threads
being stripped, Craftsman makes a set of sockets that work on rounded
heads.


Yes it's the 5/16 allen head bolt that stripped.
Kinda hard to get at.Maybe a long drill to drill it out?
How does the lower housing drop without removing
this bolt? Sorry 1st time boat owner know nothing
about outdrives,but eager to learn.
Thanks again

No No on drilling it out, It's stainless. Sometimes the allen socket on
these screws fill up with crud. You can scrape the crud out with a special
crud removing tool. If you don't have the special tool, a #1 long blade
screw driver will do.
Jim

Allen wrench fits in (no crud) Inside edges of allen
bolt rounded so wrench just turns inside head.
Doesn't a "cobalt drill bit" drill stainless?
Thanks for your help

Drilling is a last resort. I would try the next size allen wrench, and try
a metric wrench to see if that works with a little forcing. Grind down a
bigger wrench to fit the hole, and before drilling, take a dremel tool and
cut flats on the bolt head and use a wrench. Soak it with with some PB
Blaster before trying remove.

trim tab removal
 

On the alphas you can't grind on the bolt because it's down in a hole.
I'm guessing it's the same on the pre-alphas. That's why it is an
allen head. I'm pretty sure the cases won't come apart without
removing it as well. At least it's on the list of items I remove when
I split mine. That was why I suggested hammering an oversized torque
bit into it.

Drilling is an option but you need to make sure you get centered well.
Stainless is not partcularly hard, it's just stainless. The
surrounding material is a lot softer. If you choose to drill, center
punch first. Drill a small starter hole as it is easier to keep
centered. Then use a big enough bit for the second hole so that the
remains of the head simply falls off when you get past it.

The material of the trim tab is quite soft and another approach would
be to try to chisel it off from the bottom. It would be a chore
though.


Calif Bill wrote:
wrote in message
...
On Wed, 18 Oct 2006 21:58:25 GMT, "Jim" wrote:


wrote in message
. ..
On Wed, 18 Oct 2006 20:42:19 GMT, "James" wrote:

Mine is an allen head bolt. Is it stripped out where an allen wrench
would
go in? Those are pretty hard to strip.

Maybe you can hammer a big torque bit into it.

"basskisser" wrote in message
egroups.com...

let wrote:
Trying to replace trim tab on mercruiser outdrive.
5/16 bolt stripped by last owner. Any ideas how
to get it out.

Thanks

If you mean that the head is rounded off, as opposed to the threads
being stripped, Craftsman makes a set of sockets that work on rounded
heads.


Yes it's the 5/16 allen head bolt that stripped.
Kinda hard to get at.Maybe a long drill to drill it out?
How does the lower housing drop without removing
this bolt? Sorry 1st time boat owner know nothing
about outdrives,but eager to learn.
Thanks again

No No on drilling it out, It's stainless. Sometimes the allen socket on
these screws fill up with crud. You can scrape the crud out with a special
crud removing tool. If you don't have the special tool, a #1 long blade
screw driver will do.
Jim

Allen wrench fits in (no crud) Inside edges of allen
bolt rounded so wrench just turns inside head.
Doesn't a "cobalt drill bit" drill stainless?
Thanks for your help

Drilling is a last resort. I would try the next size allen wrench, and try
a metric wrench to see if that works with a little forcing. Grind down a
bigger wrench to fit the hole, and before drilling, take a dremel tool and
cut flats on the bolt head and use a wrench. Soak it with with some PB
Blaster before trying remove.

trim tab removal
 

wrote
How does the lower housing drop without removing
this bolt?

It stays with the LU, like so: http://www.mercstuff.com/images/wp08.jpg

trim tab removal
 

"Ernest Scribbler" wrote
It stays with the LU, like so: http://www.mercstuff.com/images/wp08.jpg

Come to think of it, though, there's a bolt in the trim tab cavity that goes
up into the upper, so you still need to get the tab out of your way. If it
comes down to drilling, it might be easier to drill/grind/burrow through the
tab than the bolt.

trim tab removal
 

I thought I remembered there was a reason I removed the trim tab when I
take off my lower unit. I only do the water pump every couple years so
the details get fuzzy. It comes back to me when I get out the tools
:-)

Drilling a big hole through the the front half of the tab might allow
you to get at that bolt and then drop the lower unit. Or might be able
to chisel the front half of the tab off.

Ernest Scribbler wrote:
"Ernest Scribbler" wrote
It stays with the LU, like so: http://www.mercstuff.com/images/wp08.jpg

Come to think of it, though, there's a bolt in the trim tab cavity that goes
up into the upper, so you still need to get the tab out of your way. If it
comes down to drilling, it might be easier to drill/grind/burrow through the
tab than the bolt.

trim tab removal
 

On Wed, 18 Oct 2006 13:34:49 -0400, let wrote:

Trying to replace trim tab on mercruiser outdrive.
5/16 bolt stripped by last owner. Any ideas how
to get it out.

Thanks
Called local marina. They say that they saw thru the bolts
from the side!! Little bit of housing gone NO big deal.
Sounds scary to me.
Thanks for all the tips & sugestions you guys have given me.
I'll be thinking about this one for awhile.I'll eventually let you
know how it turns out. Thanks again

trim tab removal
 

On Thu, 19 Oct 2006 10:02:19 -0400, "Ernest Scribbler"
wrote:

"Ernest Scribbler" wrote
It stays with the LU, like so: http://www.mercstuff.com/images/wp08.jpg

Come to think of it, though, there's a bolt in the trim tab cavity that goes
up into the upper, so you still need to get the tab out of your way. If it
comes down to drilling, it might be easier to drill/grind/burrow through the
tab than the bolt.

Come to think of it.How about melting the trim tab
with high heat source? Soft metal right?

trim tab removal
 

wrote
Come to think of it.How about melting the trim tab
with high heat source? Soft metal right?

Sounds risky. Wonder if the tab would melt before the aluminum?

trim tab removal
 

"jamesgangnc" wrote
Drilling a big hole through the the front half of the tab might allow
you to get at that bolt and then drop the lower unit. Or might be able
to chisel the front half of the tab off.

The trouble is that the area you need to go through to get to the through
bolt is the thickest part of the tab. Still could be done, though. What I
was thinking was saw off the fin then drill straight up toward the bolt that
holds the tab on. Once you find it, make a big hole up to it then drill all
around the bolt with a smallish bit until you remove enough material to get
the remains of the tab out.

trim tab removal
 

On Wed, 18 Oct 2006 20:49:57 -0400, let wrote:

On Thu, 19 Oct 2006 00:21:44 GMT, "Justin-SEI"
wrote:

Are you sure it is 5/16? The replacement bolts have been 3/8 for the last 15
years or so. You still see a 5/16 one every now and then, but give a 3/8 a
shot to see if it fits.

Justin
wrote in message
. ..
Trying to replace trim tab on mercruiser outdrive.
5/16 bolt stripped by last owner. Any ideas how
to get it out.

Thanks

Almost 100% sure. Outdrive is a pre-alpha (1977)
But tomorrow l"ll give 3/8 a try. Thanks for your
help.

I found a set of left-handed drill bits at Sears or Eastwoods
(well...somewhere). They cut turning the oppisite direction as a
regular drill bit.
Works well for drilling out bolts. Usually snags it part way through
the operation and spins the bolt out.
Mark E. Williams

trim tab removal
 

"Maynard G. Krebbs" wrote
I found a set of left-handed drill bits at Sears or Eastwoods
(well...somewhere). They cut turning the oppisite direction as a
regular drill bit.
Works well for drilling out bolts. Usually snags it part way through
the operation and spins the bolt out.

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/...o?itemid=38180

trim tab removal
 

wrote
Almost 100% sure. Outdrive is a pre-alpha (1977)
But tomorrow l"ll give 3/8 a try. Thanks for your
help.

Mine's a 77 also, all original, and it's 5/16. Have you actually seen down
in the hole and confirmed that it's stripped? Something that's happened to
me a few times is I miss my target and get the wrench wedged between the
outside of the bolt head and the upper housing in front of it and it feels
like it's stripping.

trim tab removal
 

"Maynard G. Krebbs" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 18 Oct 2006 20:49:57 -0400, let wrote:

On Thu, 19 Oct 2006 00:21:44 GMT, "Justin-SEI"
wrote:

Are you sure it is 5/16? The replacement bolts have been 3/8 for the last
15
years or so. You still see a 5/16 one every now and then, but give a 3/8
a
shot to see if it fits.

Justin
wrote in message
...
Trying to replace trim tab on mercruiser outdrive.
5/16 bolt stripped by last owner. Any ideas how
to get it out.

Thanks

Almost 100% sure. Outdrive is a pre-alpha (1977)
But tomorrow l"ll give 3/8 a try. Thanks for your
help.

I found a set of left-handed drill bits at Sears or Eastwoods
(well...somewhere). They cut turning the oppisite direction as a
regular drill bit.
Works well for drilling out bolts. Usually snags it part way through
the operation and spins the bolt out.
Mark E. Williams

Drill kit I bought has screw removers for philips screws, would probably
work with allen also. Basically a large reverse drill bit, with just the
point.

trim tab removal
 

I had the same problem on a 76 merc. A metric 8mm(I think) was just slightly
bigger than the 5/16. I tapped it in and it held to get the allen loose.
Good luck.

wrote in message
...
On Wed, 18 Oct 2006 13:34:49 -0400, let wrote:

Trying to replace trim tab on mercruiser outdrive.
5/16 bolt stripped by last owner. Any ideas how
to get it out.

Thanks
Called local marina. They say that they saw thru the bolts
from the side!! Little bit of housing gone NO big deal.
Sounds scary to me.
Thanks for all the tips & sugestions you guys have given me.
I'll be thinking about this one for awhile.I'll eventually let you
know how it turns out. Thanks again

trim tab removal
 

You could also use a Dremel tool and the cutting disks to cut a slot in the
head of the bolt and then use an impact driver with the flat blade to loosen
the bolt.


"SamS" wrote in message
...
I had the same problem on a 76 merc. A metric 8mm(I think) was just
slightly
bigger than the 5/16. I tapped it in and it held to get the allen loose.
Good luck.

wrote in message
...
On Wed, 18 Oct 2006 13:34:49 -0400, let wrote:

Trying to replace trim tab on mercruiser outdrive.
5/16 bolt stripped by last owner. Any ideas how
to get it out.

Thanks
Called local marina. They say that they saw thru the bolts
from the side!! Little bit of housing gone NO big deal.
Sounds scary to me.
Thanks for all the tips & sugestions you guys have given me.
I'll be thinking about this one for awhile.I'll eventually let you
know how it turns out. Thanks again

trim tab removal
 

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
hlink.net...
You could also use a Dremel tool and the cutting disks to cut a slot in
the head of the bolt and then use an impact driver with the flat blade to
loosen the bolt.


The head of the bolt sits recessed inside hole on the OD and cannot be cut
with a Dremel.

trim tab removal
 

On Wed, 18 Oct 2006 13:34:49 -0400, let wrote:

Trying to replace trim tab on mercruiser outdrive.
5/16 bolt stripped by last owner. Any ideas how
to get it out.

Thanks
Trim tab is off. (several guys suggested this)
Pounded oversized wrench in head of bolt.Didn't think it was going
to hold,but it moved a little and finally after several soakings got
it off.Was almost ready to break out the drills. Now on to this water
pump- impeller thingy.
I want to thank everybody again for all the help and suggestions.
Could not have done it alone. Have several other issues that I'm
sure I'll be running by you guys, as for now I think I'll go fishing
in my 50 gallon outdoor pond sittin in the driveway on my "new" old
boat. :)
Thanks again
ribari

trim tab removal
 

" JimH" not telling you @ pffftt.com wrote in message
. ..

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
hlink.net...
You could also use a Dremel tool and the cutting disks to cut a slot in
the head of the bolt and then use an impact driver with the flat blade to
loosen the bolt.


The head of the bolt sits recessed inside hole on the OD and cannot be cut
with a Dremel.


Take a dremel with the cutting disk and cut a slot in the middle of the
bolt. So, you cut some of the trim tab at the same time. Be deal, you are
replacing the tab anyway.

trim tab removal
 

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
link.net...

" JimH" not telling you @ pffftt.com wrote in message
. ..

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
hlink.net...
You could also use a Dremel tool and the cutting disks to cut a slot in
the head of the bolt and then use an impact driver with the flat blade
to loosen the bolt.


The head of the bolt sits recessed inside hole on the OD and cannot be
cut with a Dremel.


Take a dremel with the cutting disk and cut a slot in the middle of the
bolt. So, you cut some of the trim tab at the same time. Be deal, you
are replacing the tab anyway.


He got it out already Bill, using the larger allen wrench suggestion. ;-)

trim tab removal
 

Clearly you have never worked on one of these. The head of the bolt is
inside the upper unit about 1 1/2 inchs down from a hole that is about
a 1/2 inch in diameter. Normally you stick an allen wrench down in the
hole and feel around until you get it in the bolt. It's hard to even
see the bolt head. There is no way that anyone is going to get a
dremel down in that.

Sounds like he got it out.

Calif Bill wrote:
" JimH" not telling you @ pffftt.com wrote in message
. ..

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
hlink.net...
You could also use a Dremel tool and the cutting disks to cut a slot in
the head of the bolt and then use an impact driver with the flat blade to
loosen the bolt.


The head of the bolt sits recessed inside hole on the OD and cannot be cut
with a Dremel.


Take a dremel with the cutting disk and cut a slot in the middle of the
bolt. So, you cut some of the trim tab at the same time. Be deal, you are
replacing the tab anyway.

trim tab removal
 

"jamesgangnc" wrote in message
oups.com...
Clearly you have never worked on one of these. The head of the bolt is
inside the upper unit about 1 1/2 inchs down from a hole that is about
a 1/2 inch in diameter. Normally you stick an allen wrench down in the
hole and feel around until you get it in the bolt. It's hard to even
see the bolt head. There is no way that anyone is going to get a
dremel down in that.

Sounds like he got it out.

Calif Bill wrote:
" JimH" not telling you @ pffftt.com wrote in message
. ..

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
hlink.net...
You could also use a Dremel tool and the cutting disks to cut a slot
in
the head of the bolt and then use an impact driver with the flat blade
to
loosen the bolt.


The head of the bolt sits recessed inside hole on the OD and cannot be
cut
with a Dremel.


Take a dremel with the cutting disk and cut a slot in the middle of the
bolt. So, you cut some of the trim tab at the same time. Be deal, you
are
replacing the tab anyway.


Nope, my Outboards for the last 20 years have been 15 hp Mariner and Yamaha
T-8 now. Before that was a big Merc Tower of Power. And the Mariner had a
big piece of zinc around the bolt. The T-8 has a large flat zinc with a hex
head recessed bolt. Both could be gotten at with a dremel, cutting the zinc
also.