Help I snapped a bolt on the intake grate

[spjbyrnes]

Hello,

Today I had a small stick wedged in the impeller closest to the intake grate, I could see it but not reach it. So seeing the 4 bolts hold the intake grate on, I removed the three towards the back, no problem, and struggled with the single larger bolt on the forward part of the intake grate. The bolt snapped, as I am stupid and used to much force. After reviewing some posts I see that it needs to be taken off with someone holding the inside part of the bolt, which is currently covered in Silicone.

Is this an easy fix? Any chance it could be covered under warranty? Can I fix it myself? How much would it cost to fix?

I appreciate any help that I can get, or advise as what to do about this, fix it myself or take it in for service.

Oh, I did get the little stick out,


Thanks so much!!

Steve

 

[97SPX]

It the bolt is where you can easily get to it I recommend buying a set of left-handed drill bits. If there is bolt left sticking up file it smooth and use a punch to punch a dent in the center of the bolt. Centering this starting point is crucial. Then begin with the smallest left handed bit and drill a hole down the center of the bolt. Advance to the next larger size and continue to drill it out. Eventually one of them will begin to ease the bolt out. The down side is if you start off center and it doesn't start to come out you will eventually eat the threads in the hull making it impossible to put in a replacement bolt.

Good luck.

 

[kustomkarl]

Another way that works for me is spray the bolt with PB Blaster. Then use a small punch and punch the remaining bolt in a counter clockwise direction as if your turning the bolt out. I always keep a small punch in my tool box.

Karl

 

[imnothot02]

Hello,

Today I had a small stick wedged in the impeller closest to the intake grate, I could see it but not reach it. So seeing the 4 bolts hold the intake grate on, I removed the three towards the back, no problem, and struggled with the single larger bolt on the forward part of the intake grate. The bolt snapped, as I am stupid and used to much force. After reviewing some posts I see that it needs to be taken off with someone holding the inside part of the bolt, which is currently covered in Silicone.

Is this an easy fix? Any chance it could be covered under warranty? Can I fix it myself? How much would it cost to fix?

I appreciate any help that I can get, or advise as what to do about this, fix it myself or take it in for service.

Oh, I did get the little stick out,


Thanks so much!!

Steve

thats easy drill it out then use a #8 T30 legger screw, idk the name of em you cant break em avalable at menards.... ratchet that inwith a impact, it will come out