1979 Mercury 70hp with broken stud. Necessary?

[Justatech]

So when reinstalling the powerhead my buddy broke the stud. I thought no big deal drill it and use an extractor. Done it before and great success this time not so much. The extractor twisted off. Tried drilling it out. No dice. So my question is can I limp this old motor through a couple seasons with this nut and stud missing? Or is there another way to clear this now reinforced stud? Thanks for your help.

 

[Justatech]

Or should I just buy a new exhaust plate? I am having trouble tracking one down so far.

 

[Schtoopid]

I'd say go for it.
The best bet for drilling it out and replacing it is "Cobalt" bits, and a heli-coil
Extractors won't work..

I'd say you'll be fine with that, and not much point in spending $200 for that part on a 35y old engine.

 

[Justatech]

Yeah the cobalt bit got me enough drilled out to break off one of those extractors in the stud. Ugh. Thanks for the input though. That's kind of what I was hoping to hear. I mean I'll have 7/8 nuts in place and that ain't bad right. I do have a new gasket. Think I'll just go for it unless anyone chimes in with a compelling reason not to in the next couple days.

 

[Chris1956]

Is this a powerhead mounting stud? If so, and you pull the powerhead, is there enough to grip with a vicegrip? If so, turn it out and install a new one.

 

[Chinewalker]

I agree - remove the adapter plate and you should have a half inch or so to grab onto.