SammyJ,

I’ve got a rubber strap filter wrench and a heat gun. Right now, my priority is getting the engine ready to pull. After this weekend, I’ll start on a couple of winter projects, the exhaust tips being the newest one added to the list.

Thanks. Brad.

Years ago I got a 20ft Reinell cheap...it was stern wake swamped. ( sea water in cylinderd) Insurance inspection said they wouldn't cover it, it was poor maintenance. No one told the guy...that if he just pulled the spark plugs cranked it over bunch... and dumped a lot of engine oil in the spark plugs holes...and more cranking...change the oil....fire it up.....change oil again...It would have been fine.

BoatNT,

OK.... So how hot do I get it? I've had it hot enough I couldn't leave my fingers on it for more than a second or so, and the gel/glass surrounding it was considerably more than warm to the touch, and nothing. filter wrench, dead blow... Nothing. Is there a sign I should be looking for? Smoke? Smell? Sound? Time? I've got an IR thermometer. Any idea on actual temp? It sounds like there's a sweet spot where it's hot enough to loosen the adhesive, but not hot enough to discolor/deform/damage the gelcoat. I just don't want to overshoot it.

Thanks. Brad.

Metal fittings in the direct sun on a hot day will get hot enough to burn on touch.

What does the IR heat therm say? I find the shiny chrome type surfaces often don't give accurate readings.

Tartilla,

I haven’t used it. I was just suggesting I have one if it would be of use; if someone had a target temp.

ooh, I’m aware how hot metals can get in the sun. I also know that a heat gun can wreck gelcoat. Not as quick as a propane torch, but it will. I don’t want to find out where that threshold is.

Thanks. Brad.

Have you tried chiseling around the edge with a wood wedge or similar?

Ryan,

Not yet. I figured the heat wouldn’t be less of a chance for physical damage. It doesn’t look like there’s any gap to get anything under there, but I’ll give it a shot.

Thanks. Brad.

Ryan,

Not yet. I figured the heat wouldn’t be less of a chance for physical damage. It doesn’t look like there’s any gap to get anything under there, but I’ll give it a shot.


Something like this?

Thanks. Brad.

What about the fishing line?

Padraig

Padraig,

I have not. I bought some, but I’ve been busying myself getting the engine “loose” so I can get it pulled tomorrow, in between trying to keep the shop running.

But, again, I have my doubts of getting it under the flange to begin with.

Thanks. Brad.