'98 Johnson 25 hp pivot pin screw stripped

[renelson]

Hi, I've got a huge problem. In the process of putting new seals in my lower unit, I stripped the hole where the pivot pin screws in the side of the LU. It has (had) about a 1/4" of threads in the alum housing and now it's completely stripped.

Any pointers? Is a 1/4" hole depth enough for a helicoil to work? Thanks!

Merry Christmas!

 

[boobie]

Re: '98 Johnson 25 hp pivot pin screw stripped

If you cut off the helicoil befoe installing it. Been there.

 

[renelson]

Re: '98 Johnson 25 hp pivot pin screw stripped

So you've stripped that one too? I was pretty ticked at myself. Did it seal good?

 

[boobie]

Re: '98 Johnson 25 hp pivot pin screw stripped

Yes......But take your time installing the helicoil.

 

[renelson]

Re: '98 Johnson 25 hp pivot pin screw stripped

Thanks Boobie. Did you use any sealant around the helicoil? Seems like I should use something...locktite...gasket seal...something....

 

[rpsloan]

Re: '98 Johnson 25 hp pivot pin screw stripped

Tap and dye?

 

[boobie]

Re: '98 Johnson 25 hp pivot pin screw stripped

I've always use a small dab of red loctite around the outer surface of the helicoil.

 

[renelson]

Re: '98 Johnson 25 hp pivot pin screw stripped

Yeah the permanent stuff. Thanks for the help. I'll post when I get it done.

 

[renelson]

Re: '98 Johnson 25 hp pivot pin screw stripped

Got the helicoil in and used red locktite as stated above. I'm glad it came with a bunch of the coils - I used more than half of them before I got it right. First of all, the threaded plastic starter lug (for lack of better term) that came in the kit had to be modified to fit flush against the recessed hole in the LU. I used an old soldering iron to make it more narrow. Secondly, the helicoil had to be shortened so that it properly fit in the shallow hole - took a few tests to get that right. Third, the tang didn't break off properly on the first attempt. Instead of breaking clean off, it took the bottom thread of the helicoil with it into the LU.

Anyway, I finally got it and it worked! Happy new year!

 

[boobie]

Re: '98 Johnson 25 hp pivot pin screw stripped

Glad you finally got. I'll bet next time you have to do it, it will be easy. Happy New Year to you too.