What will happen if I remove this bolt?

[VisionIsle]

Hello,

Attached is a photo of the electrical bracket near the stern drive. There is a blue wire that is attached from the bracket to the spindle arm. I need to replace this for it is damaged. I temporarily have some electrical tape on it. Can I remove this bolt without issue and replace the end of the wire with a new eye? The boat is in the water. Also, is this just a ground wire? Can I attach it to another part of the engine and leave the bolt alone?

Thanks,
Carden

 

[Bondo]

Re: What will happen if I remove this bolt?

Ayuh,...

While you don't mention Exactly what We're working on,...

You should be able to remove that bolt to change the wire, Without ramifications....

The wire is known as a Continuity strap...
It helps bond together(electrically) all of the metal parts of the drive...
It's All about Galvonic protection.. Ei; it helps Stop, or control the loss of metal...
It's kinda like a Ground strap, but ever so slightly Different...

 

[VisionIsle]

Re: What will happen if I remove this bolt?

Bondo,

thanks for the reply.

I am not working on anything in particular. It seems that I am always trying to just keep up with things that are broken or loose etc...
I was a bit concerned about removing the bolt because it looks as if the part that the bolt is attached to could possible slip out and fall or possibly loose something. Just trying to tidy up and keeps things working properly.

 

[ziggy]

Re: What will happen if I remove this bolt?

looks like the bolt in question compresses the steering arm onto the drive. may have a nut on the non-drive end of the bolt, may not and be treaded into the arm itself. the latter being my guess.....
if ya think your gonna drop it, put something underneath it in case you do so you can retrieve it. maybe put a magnet up by it as ya remove it, assuming it's a steel bolt.... myself. it looks rusty. i'd be more concerned about breaking the bolt off than dropping it.... break that bolt off and you'll have a whole different problem...

 

[superpop]

Re: What will happen if I remove this bolt?

If you remove that bolt the earth will split down the middle and all life as we know it will cease to exist, or your steering arm will be loose.

 

[Bondo]

Re: What will happen if I remove this bolt?

I am not working on anything in particular. It seems that I am always trying to just keep up with things that are broken or loose etc...

Ayuh,...

I mean What motor,.?? drive,.?? vintage,.??

 

[Don S]

Re: What will happen if I remove this bolt?

That's a volvo drive, 270 or 280 vintage. The bolt is what tightens the steering arm to the helmet shaft.