Water pump replacement

[16ftsunbird]

Ok guys i'm at it again 74 85hp johnson i'm ready to loosen lower unit outside bolts to remove it so i can replace water pump and as it would be the first bolt beaks as i'm trying to remove it i've stopped at this point to get some insight on what can be done i did start to remove a second but it feels just like the first one i think it's gonna break what are my options if they contiue can they be drilled or what can i do to keep them from breaking

 

[gm280]

Sorry to hear your predicament, but it really isn't that unusual to have bolts in these older engines break off. With one lower unit bolt already broken off now, you have to remove the lower unit and yes drill out the remaining stub or bolt and then tap the hole to clean up the threads again. Not knowing how much of the bolt remains, you could get lucky and have enough still remaining to get a vice grip on it and move it back and forth a little at a time with some penetrating oil to help remove the broken portion. If it is broken below the surface, then it is drilling out time. HOWEVER, try to not use a screw or bolt easy-out. If one of them breaks off, then you have some real problems. I like drilling with progressively larger drill bits until I get to the thinnest possible section remaining and then tap the remaining metal in to the center with a punch and remove it... JMHO!

 

[16ftsunbird]

well 3 out of 4 broke but i was able to get 2 out with a little help luck but had to drill 1 thanks for the info just was'nt sure with s/s against alum

 

[gm280]

well 3 out of 4 broke but i was able to get 2 out with a little help luck but had to drill 1 thanks for the info just was'nt sure with s/s against alum

HA hate to hear you broke off more, but seem you handled it well and yes tap those holes before install new hardware. You sound like you know what you're doing and glad you finished the removal efforts. :thumb:

 

[16ftsunbird]

Just need to thank yall on this forum for the help u provided during the time i was replacing w/p then the no fire/spark on my 77 70hp Seahorse & then w/p on my 74 85hp Johnson after breaking 3 of the 4 bolts in the bottom of the foot both motors running great & pumping water just fine thanks again

Billy in S.C.