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Repairing threads on engine mount/swivel bracket for tie bar

M

mitchbuck

Contributing Member
I have a 1995 Sea Cat power catamaran with twin 1998 Honda 90 hp outboards. I had to replace one engine with a 1999 90hp this winter and one issue that I came across on this new to me engine was that the mounting holes on the mount bracket are stripped (red circles) so that I cannot attach the mounting plate for the tie-bar/bracket (red square). Unfortunately the next size up tap looks like it will take out too much material so I am wondering if there are other options to repair the threads? Helicoils or Time-sert? Use a filler and retap? Or just weld? Any input is appreciated.


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Well, shoot!

That's a tough call. Welding and tapping would give you the most solid repair that's not likely to fail but lots of hassle and there is accuracy to be considered when re-drilling and tapping.

I think, since it's steel, I'd just go with Slim-Sert and possibly stack a couple in there for plenty of bite. You can cut off any stick out.

,I think it will hold ok but....you never know.

Just my 2 cents.

Good luck.
 
Is there any possibility of drilling the mount bracket holes on through, then bolt on the mounting plate with a nut and lock washer on the backside?

Personally, I would not trust the JB weld to handle the lateral stresses on that mount, so I think JGMO's recommendation to weld and re-tap would be the better option.
 
My thought, for whatever it's worth. There's no material in back of what you see on that tiller arm, that might allow you to through bolt it well enough. The JB weld plan may be a good one, if you were to add a piece of material to the top of the tiller arm and that extension bracket.

Do the JB weld plan, and when that dries, track down something you could use as a plate laid on top of the tiller arm, and fastened in place using the existing VERTICAL bolt holes (where that extra tie rod is now fastened), and a new hole through the extension.

This way, if the JB weld were to let go, this reinforcement would get you home. -Al
 
Thanks for the input everyone and sorry about the delayed response.
-I had thought about filling the holes with JB weld and retapping but not sure how that would hold up as well?
-drilling through the other side and through bolting may not work because the bracket drops down at an angle and would be hard to get a washer/nut on an angle. Plus it would require a very long skinny bolt.
-That's not a bad idea using the vertical holes in the bracket to through bolt an extension piece? That could actually work
-After thinking about it I might just drop $80 and get the time-sert kit to repair the threads. I had success on a BF50 years ago repairing a stripped Tstat bolt hole. If that fails I guess I could try the other options. I'll report back how I make out.
 
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