Lower unit vent screw messed up

[phototom1]

Any suggestions to remove the vent screw from the lower unit that has been badly mistreated IE wrong sized screw driver slipping out and making a mess of the screw head. It was like this when I got the boat every thing else is fine runs great looks good just a messed up screw head. I have tried impact driver but it seems to be in too tight . some people and there gorilla strength!! should I just take it to the shop and let them handle it ??<br /><br />Thanks in advance<br /> Tom

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Lower unit vent screw messed up

If the impact screwdriver still has grip on the slot, then try heating the area around the screw pretty hot with a propane torch and go at it with the impact driver. When you get it moving, wait for it to cool down before completely removing the screw, since the gearcase might pressurize some.<br /><br />If the slot is wrecked, try carving a slot 90° to the original one with a dremel and cutoff blade.<br /><br />If worst comes to worst, you may have to drill it out.<br /><br />This is the worst drain screw I ever heard of. There's lots of good suggestions here:<br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=28;t=016611

 

[phototom1]

Re: Lower unit vent screw messed up

Thanks for the suggestions Paul I have tried just about every thing possible that I have the tools or knowledge of but no success so I have broken down and have taken it to the shop. Its been a week and they have not had time to get to it . hopfully soon, I'll post the results when I know . Again thanks for the info.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Lower unit vent screw messed up

Tom....did ya' try a punch? Sometimes I can knock them lose like that. I use one with a blunty point so I can get a bite and not punch a hole in the screw. Usually, they do come lose.

 

[phototom1]

Re: Lower unit vent screw messed up

OBJ<br /><br /> Yes I tryed a punch, you would not believe how bad this vent screw was messed up. It seems that who ever was trying to loosen it just would not stop even when it was evident things were going south. You guys have been great with the info I do thank you all very much. maybe I can return the help some day. As I said its in the shop now hopfully they can remove and replace, they have tools I don't have and some times the knowledge of how to use them makes a difference. Oh yeah I am going to get a manual soon.

 

[rickdog67emtp]

Re: Lower unit vent screw messed up

Only thing that comes to mind is possibly drilling a hole big enough for an easy out....Not sure if a regular drill bit could drill it though

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Lower unit vent screw messed up

Paul,<br />I didn't know if I should laugh or cry when I re-read that link you posted. I had forgotton all about that little episode. You're right tho, a lot of really good suggestions in that thread. <br />I guess it's truly a tribute to the mans determination and patience, plus the BFH that eventually wins out.<br />Now back to you're regularly scheduled programming....

 

[kevkc123]

Re: Lower unit vent screw messed up

As far as stripped screws and bolts go, I've had grreat success with left-handed drill bits. They work almost like easy-outs, but with more bite. I got mine from Sears(craftsman brand). If the screw dosen't loosen up initially, it usually breaks free after a few (30-45) seconds due to the heat generated from the drill bit, and if it dosen't it is just like drilling the head off the screw. Hope this is of some help!<br /><br />Kevin

 

[phototom1]

Re: Lower unit vent screw messed up

Well the screw is out I had to take it to the shop as i could not budge it. The mech said he used a loooong handled screw driver and a lot of grunt!!!<br />While it was there I had a water pump replaced good thing as the one in was shot,as well as the warining horn was not working,and the tstat was stuck open and the red lever on side of carb was split and sraying gas, part of or all of the Idle problems. so should be good to go for a while he said. I will get a manual and do this work myself from now on.Thanks for all the info you guys are great.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Lower unit vent screw messed up

Tom, <br />Thanks for getting back to us! That is what is greatly missing here,original posters don't generally get back to tell us what worked.<br />DHP

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Lower unit vent screw messed up

Absolutly agree, DHP. We all need more of that input...