stripped front motor mount hole.

[texsun]

My 96 Larson 174Sei 3L has a stripped port side front motor mount. I removed the lag bolt and poked around with a pick to see if the rest of the material around it was solid or rotted. It seems that the only problem is the hole is stripped out. <br />Can anyone suggest my repair options?<br /><br />Thanks <br />Mark

 

[epresutti]

Re: stripped front motor mount hole.

Texsun,<br /><br />Make sure the hole is free of grease, oil, etc. Fill with epoxy resin and woodchips or some left over glass cloth, let cure completely, redrill hole and replace lag.<br /><br />I have done this a number of times (not just on my boat, works for door hinges too ) it works well. This is the old toothpick and wood glue in the stripped out hole trick. I have even installed the hardware before the glue/epoxy has set, and left until completely set before stressing.<br /><br />Peace.<br /><br />emp.

 

[texsun]

Re: stripped front motor mount hole.

I've done the toothpick/wood glue thing before and I know where you're going. Question? Can you buy epoxy at Home Depot? <br />Mark

 

[epresutti]

Re: stripped front motor mount hole.

Texsun,<br /><br />For small amounts of epoxy, you can try some of the hardware store solutions. I prefer to use "West Systems". they come in small enough quantities and are marine grade. It is available in most boat supply stores like West Marine or Boat US, all available on-line.<br /><br />You don't need to use glass, hardwood splinters will work just fine.<br /><br />Hope this helps.<br /><br />Peace.<br /><br />emp.

 

[texsun]

Re: stripped front motor mount hole.

Should I put epoxy/oak splinters in and install lag bolt before the epoxy cures or would I be better off to allow epoxy/splinters to harden and then drill new hole?. Can you drill epoxy?<br /><br />Mark

 

[Boomyal]

Re: stripped front motor mount hole.

Yes you can drill epoxy, but if the wood around the hole is any degree soft, you'd have a hard time threading a new bolt into the drilled epoxy without spinning the whole mess.<br /><br />I would saturate the hole with a good penetrating epoxy first, then pour in unthickened epoxy. Any fillers would keep it from filling the hole totally.<br /><br />I'd coat a bolt with parafin?? or soap and put it in before the epoxy has cured. Just be sure you don't slop it all over the motor mount.

 

[texsun]

Re: stripped front motor mount hole.

Update! Used Ed's and Boom's advice. The epoxy and oak slivers seemed to have worked fine. Been out a couple of times and it checks out good.<br /><br />Thanks Again to Everybody!!<br /><br />Mark