Removing old "thru-hulls"...
 

Okay, I'm trying to remove the old very short thru hulls on my 89 311 SR1. They are acting like they are "glassed in". I've tried twisting them with BIG water pump pliers to break the seal, no luck.

I'm thinking of trying to heat it with a heat gun but I really don't think that's gonna do much, I mean they are used to heat. I don't think getting a big block of wood and trying to beat them out from the inside is the best idea either.

I could use some suggestions....Thanks. Russ

Re: Removing old "thru-hulls"...
 

Russ,

I think these may have ben glued in with 5200. If so, they will be a bear to get off. I have heard of guys cutting the 5200 behind trim tabs with a piano wire, so you might want to try that if you can get a little edge to get behind. Otherwise, you will probably end up ripping off a chunk of gelcoat with it if you go the BFH route (had a "expert" marine mechanic do this to a trim tab on my 311 - $560 to repair :mad: ).

Re: Removing old "thru-hulls"...
 

The Piano wire trick works (or guitar string ot other like things) Heat does help. Remember your exhaust is actually fairly cool by the time it gets to that point. Just b carefull not to heat it up to much or you can discolor the gel.... Good luck.

Jon

Re: Removing old "thru-hulls"...
 

"5200", the one number I did not want to hear......Thanks for the suggestion. I guess you go to a piano store to get piano wire huh???? Don't think I've ever had a reason to buy piano wire. Russ

Re: Removing old "thru-hulls"...
 

Maybe try fishing line??? Don't know if it would work though(its cheap)

Re: Removing old "thru-hulls"...
 

I don't think that fishing line has the "cutting" qualities that thin piano wire has. But thanks for the thought.

I put this question on the general boating discussion forum also, and somebody came up with a good idea involving shoving an eight ft. 2x4 with a cloth wrapped around it for tightness then jerking it from side to side to try to break it loose. I think I'll try that first.

Thanks for the help. R

Re: Removing old "thru-hulls"...
 

... unless you're a highly paid mercenary on a very covert special op. :D

If I remember correctly from the movies, they used a small wooden dowel at each end for handles to pull on.

Re: Removing old "thru-hulls"...
 

A "silencer" makes your work easier and more "long distance". :D :D

Yes, I believe, from my movie memory, that dowels are the way to go and I just happen to have a whole bunch, I think a 3/4 inch would be the way to go. One way or the other I'm gonna get these things off. Now it's "personal".

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Except my wife's, hers was to sell the damn boat.

Re: Removing old "thru-hulls"...
 

Ok so sell it as long as she said you can get something bigger and newer :D:D

Re: Removing old "thru-hulls"...
 

For sale: one wife, bossy, stubborn, my way or the highway attitude, did I say stubborn. Free or best offer.....