Broken Screw

[aaudii5150]

Before the weekend we changed all the fluids and installed a new impeller, no issues......

So Sunday we started to notice more water in the bilge than normal. By the end of the day the temp went to like 180 and we shut it down. By this time the water leak was very apparent. The new impeller gasket was sticking out above the cover and spitting water everywhere. Limped the boat back to the trailer with no real issues. We were glad it was the last day on the water so no big deal......

We tear into it last night and find out that one of the screws had snapped off in the housing! I know for a fact the screws were not over tightened. We were able to back the broken part out and installed a new gasket we made from a gasket making kit.

Fired it up on the fake a lake, no leaks and the boat did not over heat. I think we are in the clear for now....

My question to the crew is: Has anyone ever heard of this?

Tonight its a new alternator and we should be good to go for the weekend....

[zzbutler]

I heard of this happening last year - I think it was to Skiline. He said the same thing - that he was confident that he did not over tighten them.

I replaced my impeller last week (a story within itself) and I specifically try to tighten the screws no tighter than you would one-handed with a screwdriver. It is very easy to over tighten when using a ratchet. Its just brass...

Hopefully you can get the broken one(s) out without too much effort.

[aaudii5150]

I heard of this happening last year - I think it was to Skiline. He said the same thing - that he was confident that he did not over tighten them.

I replaced my impeller last week (a story within itself) and I specifically try to tighten the screws no tighter than you would one-handed with a screwdriver. It is very easy to over tighten when using a ratchet. Its just brass...

Hopefully you can get the broken one(s) out without too much effort.

Broken one came out with no issue. We were able to use just a small flat head screwdriver and it backed right out.

[BillFooter]

Once the head of the head of a bolt or screw breaks off there is no tension holding the remaining treaded portion and it will turn out very easily unless the threads are galled. Just because it comes out easy after the head is broken off does not mean that it was not over tightened.

[BuFootin]

The screws holding the impeller cover on are a brass material and are pretty soft. Not uncommon for them to snap off if you not careful.

[aaudii5150]

Ran them back on really soft this time.......