Seized clamp screw on outboard

[Achillesheel]

I know that I should have looked after it better, and greased it nicely before putting it away for the winter, but one of the clamping screws on my Suzuki DF2 2hp outboard is stuck. Probably salt corrosion.

I've tried immersing it in boiling water, and my local garage has tried some decent penetrating oil, but to no avail. The garage chap suggested cutting the screw off each side of the bracket, re drilling and tapping, and inserting a new screw.

I am sure that others must have had the same problem; any ideas?

I don't want to impose too much force for fear of shearing the clamp off. I have no access to anything like a welding torch or blow lamp.

Any help gratefully received.

 

[VicMallows]

My first course of action would be to contrive some way of fully immersing the screw for several days. Diesel likely to be cheapest ... or old brake fluid if you happen to have it. A blow lamp WOULD also be really helpful.

 

[TQA]

Soaking it in diesel or BF can not do any harm but my first resort is HEAT in these situations.

Remove the toggle as they break then with a spanner get the bracket hot and work the screw back and forward.

 

[Firefly625]

Very common problem with Suzuki outboards. My df6hp did the same some years ago, asked a couple of Suzuki ob dealers and both said the same, live with it...

 

[lw395]

Soaking it in diesel or BF can not do any harm but my first resort is HEAT in these situations.

Remove the toggle as they break then with a spanner get the bracket hot and work the screw back and forward.

+1.
Heat it till the paint turns black, then put some 3 in 1 on it. Any oil will do, it's all very thin when it's hot enough.
Try not to set fire to it or you.
I use a micro-butane torch, or a hot air gun.
For prevention I use that stuff that's like copper grease only more silver coloured..Never Seize?

 

[Lakesailor]

Try and get it out whole. Have you checked the price of new clamp screws?

 

[ghostlymoron]

Try and get it out whole. Have you checked the price of new clamp screws?

Hear hear. I've found that a combination of heat plus WD40 will generally free most things given time and perseverance. Immersing in diesel or parafin also works but you need patience to let the penetration take place. Then gentle wiggling back and forth until some movement is seen or felt. Once slight movement has been established, continue WD treatment and wiggling and full movement will rapidly follow. I've freed lots of bolts, blocks and shackles by this method but it does take time!

 

[Achillesheel]

Thanks guys!

Removed clamp from engine, cleaned all traces of oil off, negotiated with SWMBO, and heated the screw up on the gas cooker for five minutes. Screw now moves beautifully.

Note to self; keep it well greased all season, and apply more grease before I put it away at the end of the season.

Back to the garage now to put it back together, and grease it....

 

[VicMallows]

......and treat yourself to a blow-lamp next time they come up in LIDL/ALDI

 

[pcatterall]

......and treat yourself to a blow-lamp next time they come up in LIDL/ALDI

+1 !!! your 'negotiations' will have probably cost you a new frock or two!!

 

[VicS]

......and treat yourself to a blow-lamp next time they come up in LIDL/ALDI

But surely every one has blowlamp/

 

[ghostlymoron]

Thanks guys!

Removed clamp from engine, cleaned all traces of oil off, negotiated with SWMBO, and heated the screw up on the gas cooker for five minutes. Screw now moves beautifully.

Note to self; keep it well greased all season, and apply more grease before I put it away at the end of the season.

Back to the garage now to put it back together, and grease it....

Result! Thanks for letting us know.