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Lower unit bolts--thread locker vs. gasket sealant

 
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Ken O



Joined: 05 Mar 2014
Posts: 110
City/Region: West Yellowstone
State or Province: MT
C-Dory Year: 1990
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Vessel Name: Ravens' Roost
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 28, 2022 2:01 pm    Post subject: Lower unit bolts--thread locker vs. gasket sealant Reply with quote

Time to replace the Honda BF90 impeller. Last time I just put Locktite blue on the bolts that attach the lower unit to the rest of the engine. So far I've only run the motor in fresh water, but there's salt water in the future. Several forums advocate some sort of gasket sealer on these bolts so they don't seize after sitting in salt water. The Honda manual specifies Locktite 271, which is the red stuff. Maybe the spec has changed, but I can't see using the permanent-need-a-torch-to-get-it-off stuff here.

My guess would be to go with Locktite blue again, but maybe there are better options. What has worked for people and what has not worked? Thanks!

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srbaum



Joined: 30 Aug 2010
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City/Region: Portsmouth
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C-Dory Year: 2007
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 28, 2022 4:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ken O,
I overhaul outboards for a hobby and have worked on every brand and size. I've got a least 10, that I am finishing up at this time.
After YEARS of failures and seeing corrosion from minor to major, my solution to ensuring that a fastener comes apart in the future is to use Tef-Gel on them. The stuff is expensive, but it really works and you only use small amounts. Tef-Gel forms a barrier, so that stainless to aluminum will not cause corrosion. Tef-Gel also prevent stainless steel fasteners from galling. With few exceptions, I use Tef-Gel on every fastener on outboards, trailers and most anything else that may see saltwater.
Additionally, larger surfaces, such as drive shafts, shift shafts, water pick up tube, prop shaft, etc, I coat with liberal amounts of Green Grease. Green Grease can be purchased at Napa or other auto stores. Green Grease is water proof and it is synthetic, so you can use it to coat your impeller before installing it, as well as use it to cover battery terminals, etc. Green Grease comes in a large grease gun size container, but it is very inexpensive.

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OSPREY (Ex Mister Sea) 2000 22 C-Dory 2010 - Sold 3/19
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DayBreak



Joined: 16 Jul 2017
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 28, 2022 4:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I just put a little Green Grease on the threads before inserting the bolts back into the housing. Be sure to follow recommended torque specs for your motor.

https://www.amazon.com/Green-Grease-101-Waterproof-Temperature/dp/B004Y06YT8/ref=asc_df_B004Y06YT8/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198082385931&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10482270818315053456&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032999&hvtargid=pla-351035434061&psc=1

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DayBreak, 23 Venture, 2018 - present
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ssobol



Joined: 27 Oct 2012
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 28, 2022 5:38 pm    Post subject: Re: Lower unit bolts--thread locker vs. gasket sealant Reply with quote

Ken O wrote:
Time to replace the Honda BF90 impeller. Last time I just put Locktite blue on the bolts that attach the lower unit to the rest of the engine. So far I've only run the motor in fresh water, but there's salt water in the future. Several forums advocate some sort of gasket sealer on these bolts so they don't seize after sitting in salt water. The Honda manual specifies Locktite 271, which is the red stuff. Maybe the spec has changed, but I can't see using the permanent-need-a-torch-to-get-it-off stuff here.

My guess would be to go with Locktite blue again, but maybe there are better options. What has worked for people and what has not worked? Thanks!


IME, Locktite Red is not permanent. Might take a little more umph than Blue but not that much more. Maybe on small screws it is stronger, but nothing you can put a wrench on.
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Ken O



Joined: 05 Mar 2014
Posts: 110
City/Region: West Yellowstone
State or Province: MT
C-Dory Year: 1990
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Ravens' Roost
Photos: Ravens’ Roost
PostPosted: Wed Sep 28, 2022 5:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks a bunch for the thoughts. I have both Tef Gel and waterproof marine grease. My Tohatsu 9.8 kicker manual specifies Tef Gel for certain inner parts. I've had the same little tube for several years, so the cost isn't an issue.
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journey on



Joined: 03 Mar 2005
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 28, 2022 9:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've used red Locktite on my bikes for years so nothing would come apart. Which it did with blue Locktite. Never had a problem removing red coated screws; If you can get a wrench on them, they'll come out.

Boris
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