Just did our annual cleaning the pontoon for the season today. Only took it out once all last year and the kids used it once. Anyway, it’s now shiny clean and ready to go. Hopefully we can use it more this year.
I changed the lower unit oil. When I replaced the lower screw it suddenly turned easily like it had stripped. I backed it off less than a turn and it tightened up but I feel like it must be stripped (Honda 135hp 4 stroke). Is there any way to repair if stripped? I recall on cars we could buy an oversize self-tapping replacement drain plug. Is there anything similar for an outboard? The kids plan on taking the boat out several times over the next month. I would hate for it to break down and can’t imagine the repair bill if the lower unit goes out.
Lower unit drain screw stripped
Moderators: Redneck_Randy, badmoonrising, lakerunner
Lower unit drain screw stripped
[color=#4000FF]2005 Crest Caribbean 25'
2006 Honda 135hp 4 stroke[/color]
2006 Honda 135hp 4 stroke[/color]
Re: Lower unit drain screw stripped
You can probably use a Heli coil to reapir. Lots of videos on internet on how to install.
2020 Bennington 23 SSRXP Mercury 250 Pro XS
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- curtiscapk
- Posts: 5401
- Joined: Mon Nov 10, 2008 8:31 am
- Location: OP KS\Hillsdale Lake
Re: Lower unit drain screw stripped
+1
Craig and Paula
"THE FLOATER" rebuild Spring 2013
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=15328
94 Party Barge 24' 115 merc
Turning Point hustler 14 x 13 prop
22mph gps 3 people
12 F150
Overland Park Ks
Hillsdale Lake, KS
"THE FLOATER" rebuild Spring 2013
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=15328
94 Party Barge 24' 115 merc
Turning Point hustler 14 x 13 prop
22mph gps 3 people
12 F150
Overland Park Ks
Hillsdale Lake, KS
Re: Lower unit drain screw stripped
Problem solved!
I ordered a Time-Sert stainless steel insert kit (8x1.25x11.7mm) which I found on line. It appears to be far better (and much more expensive) than a Helicoil as it is a solid insert and being stainless will not rust. The kit includes everything needed except the grease I used repeatedly to catch any metal shavings. You drill out the stripped threads with the included bit, tap new threads that are the same size as the outside of the insert, cut a groove the size of the lip of the insert, then screw the insert into the hole using a special tool included in the kit. The tool expands the inner part of the insert to lock it into the hole though I also added red Locktite to the outside threads of the insert. It was easy peasy and stronger, I believe, than the OEM design.
https://time-serts.com/store/m8x1-25-thread-repair-kit/ (Stainless kit is special order and costs a bit more)
Not cheap but far cheaper than replacing a lower unit if the stripped threads failed.
I ordered a Time-Sert stainless steel insert kit (8x1.25x11.7mm) which I found on line. It appears to be far better (and much more expensive) than a Helicoil as it is a solid insert and being stainless will not rust. The kit includes everything needed except the grease I used repeatedly to catch any metal shavings. You drill out the stripped threads with the included bit, tap new threads that are the same size as the outside of the insert, cut a groove the size of the lip of the insert, then screw the insert into the hole using a special tool included in the kit. The tool expands the inner part of the insert to lock it into the hole though I also added red Locktite to the outside threads of the insert. It was easy peasy and stronger, I believe, than the OEM design.
https://time-serts.com/store/m8x1-25-thread-repair-kit/ (Stainless kit is special order and costs a bit more)
Not cheap but far cheaper than replacing a lower unit if the stripped threads failed.
[color=#4000FF]2005 Crest Caribbean 25'
2006 Honda 135hp 4 stroke[/color]
2006 Honda 135hp 4 stroke[/color]
Re: Lower unit drain screw stripped
That sounds like a good permanent fix.
Rick
Sights are for the unenlightened.
Sights are for the unenlightened.