Stripped Allen Bolt...Bow Thruster Zinc

[Happy Place]

Good day to one and all!

Last season, I was unable to get the zinc off my bow thruster on my 2014 R31 CB. I just skipped it, hoping the remaining zinc would dissolve in time and I would be able to grab the now exposed head with my vise grips and replace it.

It's a tough spot to get at, deep in the tunnel so I have to essentially work by feel. Unsure of the size of that allen bolt head, I tried a few size until it felt like it was turning but apparently I was just a size too small and I ended up rounding the inside surfaces....dang it!!

There is still enough zinc where I cannot get the vise grips on it. I thought about using a long screwdriver and a hammer to try and break the remaining zinc but I'm afraid I might damage the thruster itself.

Can anyone think of a way to a) dissolve the remaining zinc or b) get a tool in there to remove the stripped bolt?

Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[bob daily]

Mr. Happy, You might want to try a easy-out (sold at any hardware store) a nice Screw and Bolt Extractor set will run about $35-45 and well worth every penny when needed! Bob

 

[Happy Place]

Thanks Bob...I'm on it!

 

[William Sanborn]

NOT FUNNY, but a broken bolt can turn a 15 minute project into 2 days work.

 

[zekeandboone]

On my '17 25SC I couldn't get the bow thruster zinc off to save my life (or Marriage)... I called Side Power, left a message.. The president called me back.. Said soak with PB Blaster and use a long basin wrench..... The basin wrench is the secret!

 

[knotflying]

The basin wrench may work. I have used that in the past. However I have used the long screwdriver and hammer method and split the "zinc" and removed it and unscrewed the hex bolt using vice grips after having some PB blaster sit overnight. The easy out method will require a Dremel with a cobalt bit since the screw is stainless. Before I did that I would probably remove the assembly and work it on a bench. Removal and installation of the bow thruster and the arm isn't too bad. It is a matter of picking your poison on how you want to attack it. The gear arm assembly is not a cheap part so the last thing you want to do is screw it up with any screw removal method.