Miss Bud/Prop Shaft Tool?

[Fezz]

Hi,

Can someone tell me what they use to get the prop shaft screws loose? I bought a 1.5 hex tool at the hardware store and the thing is useless, feels like the tool is stripped as it spins in the nut. Also, how are you supposed to get the shaft set screw located at the engine loose??? There is no room for a hex tool, drilled a hole to get one in there but it is awkward at best. Very frustrating, thanks for any suggestions.

Fezz

[Fezz]

Ok,
Got a hex driver and got the set screw at the prop off. Went to loosen the one on the shaft just aft of the engine and turned driver hard...nothing....turned it harder....nothing (could feel the driver flexing)....turned harder...snap! Did they use lock tite red on the thing? Now what??? Drill out the shaft and get a new one?

What is the best way to deal with a stripped set screw...???

Thanks for any help

[BoatDoc]

yup...they put the ole loc-tite on there. get a 25-30 watt soldering iron and put the tip right on top of the set screw to warm it up. that will weaken the loc-tite. when you pull off the iron, immediately remove the screw, otherwise it will re-harden.

[Hydro Junkie]

Let me add to this, if the screw is stripped, you had better have a screw extractor or Easy Out of some sort, or you will just get yourself more upset. Also, when you replace the setscrews, use BLUE Locktite, as it doesn't need heat to get the screw out.

[Doubledog]

I use the blue loctite on almost everything. Its enough to keep the screws from backing out, but doesn't make it that hard to remove.

[HEADRIPS]

Did the soldering iron thing work? :confused: My Miss Bud did the same thing, I ended up removing the prop hardware, motor and gas tank to get the shaft out! Eventually stripped the set screw enough that an allen wrench the next size up fit snugly, but that was after I had already ordered a replacement shaft from horizon :mad:

[Fezz]

Well...
I'm really miffed at Horizon for putting out a product that comes with a completely seized set screw. I tried Heat (sodering iron) on the screw and bought a set of metric hex drivers. I had a tight fit with a new driver and after applying heat, the screw would not budge. Finally stripped it for good.

What next? $300.00 for a boat that is useless at this point. If I try to take the engine out...I will not have enough room to slide the shaft out from the front end of the shaft tube. Should I "drill" out the screw and then order a whole new shaft assembly? My son who is 12 had been dreaming about this boat for 2 years and he is bummed major.

Any ideas would help.

We should have just stuck to planes.

[bufferoo]

I'm not sure how much room you have but if you can get to it try to use a dremel to cut a slot in the top 1 mm of the set screw. You "may" be able to break it loose with a screwdriver at that point.

Bufferoo

[BoatDoc]

if you have to destroy it to remove it, let me know. i'll send you a whole shaft with both ends on it for nuthin. i'll even pay the shipping.

[HEADRIPS]

stop!!! remove the motor, then the gas tank, and with the prop and rear drive dog removed, the shaft will come right out no problem, then you can get a good grip on that set screw without messing up the body..I finally got mine loose by hammering an allen wrench into it and breaking it loose with a quick turn...

[Fezz]

Thanks Everyone and especially Boatdoc for the offer.

I spoke to someone at Horizon and they are sending me a replacment shaft w/logs at no charge. I will be sure to use loctite "blue" on the set screws so that we can make shaft lube a hassle free routine.

A great forum with caring contributors.

Many Thanks,
Fezz

[MaxxGold]

Thanks for the posts. I was having the same problem and I used the advice from these posts to take care of the situation. I removed the gas tank and engine and pulled the shaft out the opposite way. Once I had it out I used the soldering iron on it for about 90 seconds and the set screw finally broke free. Once I had it free I cleaned the set screw and used blue lock tite. Now it works the way it is supposed to.

[HEADRIPS]

Now you've got a spare drive shaft for another project, Fezz!