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Home Port: Whitehall Michigan
Vessel Info: 3100 Open Crusader 454s
Does anyone have an idea on seized s/steel fasteners. My older 31' Open must have been in salt water prior to the seller I purchased it from. Every single s/steel fastener seems to be seized. Currently went to tighten the two small bolts that secure the port window to the housing and they are seized and I don't dare to try because drilling them is a struggle.
Just trying to find out if there is a secret.
Thanks!
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Home Port: Lake Michigan
Vessel Info: 52 Sovran, Cat 3406
Heat usually does the trick, especially if you can heat up the aluminum (assuming that it is stainless into aluminum). Shouldn’t need too much heat. Map gas or propane will get it hot enough. Kroil penetrating oil is worth a try if heat isnt feasible. Needless to say go very easy when backing out fasteners. When reassembling use lanocoat grease on the fasteners.
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Home Port: SMYC - South Milwaukee, WI
Vessel Info: 1988 Tiara 3300 Open
Twin Crusader 454 @1100 hrs
I hope this is not your situation...
Do a little research on galling, especially with two different metals. I've ran into it a number of times and it's not fun. They basically can cold-weld themselves together. Heat doesn't help and I've even used an impact driver with no success. Could try drilling out with a carbide tipped drill bit and re-tap or use a cut off disc if you have access to it.
Two things I have learned about SS bolts, if it doesn't go in smoothly, re-tap it and do not force it. If it starts to get warm, stop!
Posts: 37
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Home Port: Whitehall Michigan
Vessel Info: 3100 Open Crusader 454s
Thank you sir, I'll give it a try