DP-D sterndrive removal / new problem

[rfdfirecaptain]

My project has taken a turn for the worst. I'll do my best to describe the problem with the limited boating vocabulary that I have.

After removing the sterndrive I found the 6 bolts that hold the "collar" around the "intermediate-shaft" to the motor are rotted. UGH!!!

I don't have enough room to get a 4" grinder in there to grind several of the heads off. I have an Oxy/Acetylene torch, and I don't mind if the "collar" gets destroyed, but I don't want to damage anything I cannot see from the heat of the torch.

Any ideas short of using detonation cord? Any suggestions for how I can use other tools to do the job?

Thanks!
Keith

 

[Don S]

Re: DP-D sterndrive removal / new problem

Make sure the locking tabs aren bend down locking plates. Then see if you can use a 6 point socket to turn them. If they are too far gone, you may be able to drive a 6 point 13mm socket on them.
I have seen some pretty nasty looking ones, but never to the point of needing a grinder or torch.
If you do, you may need a lot more than just trim cylinders. I also had one guy bring one in where the transom shield was like a sponge from corrosion and wasn't even worth using.
Got some pictures you could post.?????

 

[rfdfirecaptain]

Re: DP-D sterndrive removal / new problem

Don.... my maritime hero!

The transom is corroded but solid. These bolts are way beyond any socket. They are so rotted they have taken on a more rounded shape like that of a carriage bolt.

I'll go take pictures now and then see if I can follow your directions to get the photos attached to my next post.

Be back in a few!

Thanks!
Keith

 

[rfdfirecaptain]

Re: DP-D sterndrive removal / new problem

Here is the overall photo...

Here is the close up of those bolt heads... there isn't any dept to garb onto them.

 

[Don S]

Re: DP-D sterndrive removal / new problem

Time for a Sears Bolt-out

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00952061000P?mv=rr

Trust me, they work. I have removed some really sad looking bolts with these things and the really, really work.

 

[rfdfirecaptain]

Re: DP-D sterndrive removal / new problem

Thanks Don,

I can assure you I will own a "bolt out" set tomorrow.

I'll reply with an update tomorrow.

 

[rfdfirecaptain]

Re: DP-D sterndrive removal / new problem

Oh one last question....

Can I / Should I use an impact driver with the "bolt out"? Any experience, opinions for, or against?

 

[Don S]

Re: DP-D sterndrive removal / new problem

No impacts, Tried it, and all it does is make the head worse. Steady even pressure with a socket, extention, and ratchet, and keep it square.

 

[rfdfirecaptain]

Re: DP-D sterndrive removal / new problem

Thank for the tip!

 

[rfdfirecaptain]

Re: DP-D sterndrive removal / new problem

"Bolt outs" did not work...

The heads of these bold just isn't deep enough for them to grab onto the bolt head. Each bolt head appears to be rotted down to 1/16" or less in depth.

Still seeking ideas....

 

[JustJason]

Re: DP-D sterndrive removal / new problem

if the heads are that thin see if you can knock them off with a sharp chisel. Or use a die grinder or even better yet a dremel.
Obviously the idea is to get the heads off without damaging the rest.
Just take your time and be patient and you'll get it.
Alot of times I've had to work metal like a wood carver to get at what I needed.

 

[Don S]

Re: DP-D sterndrive removal / new problem

Center punch them in the center, then drill them with increasingly larger drill bit till the heads fall off the bolts. Once you get all the heads off, and the locking tabs, you will notice 3 threaded holes in that ring. Get some all threaded long bolts and use them as jack screws to pull the flange off.

 

[rfdfirecaptain]

Re: DP-D sterndrive removal / new problem

Hey guys, PROBLEM RESOLVED

Thanks for the tips. I used my dremel tool and 30 round cut-off disks. I reshaped one of the heads enough so that the Bolt-Out tool worked on that one. The other 5, I cut the heads down to remove all the corrosive contact with the flange. Then, I cut a slot in the top of each bolt stud. Used a flat screwdriver to easily back the remaining 5 studs out.

Total time for this part of the job (including rounding up the needed tools) was an hour and 30 minutes.

Thanks for the tip on how to pull this flange off. THAT would probably have been my next post.