Merc AXS motor Question

[Skoontz]

We had a powerhead come loose a few weeks ago. the bolts were loc tited and torqued....So, question being, would we get a DQ if I use aircraft bolts and wire them as required in the OMC application? The Merc does not have this requirement, yet the steering bars are held on the same way as the OMC....

And, has anyone had a power head come loose or begin to work loose if you checked the bolts?


Thanks for the help again!

[Big Don]

Bill, We have been running the Mercury since they came in APBA and we have never had one bolt come loose.

As for getting DQ'ed... per the rule book...Any make or type of bolt, nut, screw, stud or washer may be used (with the exception of the butterfly screw), provided it does not require alteration of the engine to permit its use.

[Skoontz]

Thanks Don. That is how I interpreted it as well, the variable is if I air craft wired the bolts.

Why and how they got loose, i have an idea, KT is having ahard time planing, so, she walks the deck, feathers the throttle, and so fourth. I'm thinking the vibration was causing it. With a prop change we should eliminate the deck walking as well.

[Shep]

I had the same problem last year. half the holes had weak threads. We Heli-coiled the holes and put studs in. seems ok now.
Shep

[22W]

Actually, that apparently happened to one of the BSOA patrol boat motors last weekend at Burlington... first time I have heard of it.

[Skoontz]

Shep, what do you think may have caused the problem? One theory, and I think there is allot to it, is that after we assembled the motor, the power head gasket compressed, and that gap is what started the issue.

[G Stillwill]

You are compresing two gaskets not one and the bolts have to be tight and blue loctited and checked now and then. If they loosen then take out and put more loctite on them then they will stay tight as the gaskets are already compressed. Center nuts are elastic so just have to be tightened. I have only one come loose and was right after I put the powerhead on so I know I didnt tighten it tight enough to start with.

[Shep]

Poor matianence and when I figured out it was loose the thread damage was already done. That's why it's studs and locktite for me now. I can't handle a 12 year old calling me on the carpet.

[Skoontz]

With me it was the same. i saw the tower gettign discolored and thought it was just from the heat....It as exhaust from the engine....Can't wait til we test next week, with that block tight we should pick up a mile an hour from te lack of back pressure and loose block.