Bravo 3 trim ram anode screw stripped

skennelly

As the title says.  Last season I lost one of my ram anode.  The threads are stripped out trying to replace.  Anybody have this issue?  There is very little room to try and tap the holes to a bigger size.

LaRea

One screw is good and one stripped?  I'd put it on with one screw.  Or maybe get a bigger screw and try to self-tap.  Worth a try ... a new ram is $160, as I'm sure you know.  

skennelly

Yep both are stripped.  I'm not buying a new ram just because of the anode.  I'll find a way...lol

YYZRC

Shocked at how (relatively) cheap a new ram is, given that it’s a Merc part. 

raybo3

How about using heli coil kit for the size of the hole. 

skennelly

I thought about it...but there's just no room to run a tap straight in.  I'm going to try and run the next size up screw...which I think would be 12-24 and see if that holds.  If not probably go anode less on that ram.

J3ff

YYZRC

Could you drill the hole 1/4" deeper, tap it, and go with a longer bolt?

skennelly

@YYZRC - No room to get a tap straight in.

Pat310

Same problem this spring. Was told by tech they just put 3/4” shaft anode on like @J3ff suggested 

earl1z19

You could always pull the ram off the drive and disassemble it. The end cap should come off and you could put it on a bench and drill & Tap as needed.
Probably need to reseal it with new O rings.

skennelly

@J3ff - Old thread but where did you put these clam shell anodes that still allows the ram to move?

YYZRC

Should be lots of room on the shaft (3”+) as the rams don’t fully retract. Here’s a pic with rams retracted and no anodes. 

Pat310

Just make sure to remove the paint under the anode. 3/4” anode

skennelly

Okay so anywhere on the ram shaft is okay.  I was thinking it had to be close to the ram body.

Willhound

Yep. In fact, they won't even fit on the body. And if they did then you have all those seals and oil and whatnot negating the effect.

TonyG13

Anyone have a link to a 3/4" magnesium collar/shaft anode? Boatzincs.com and Amazon (Martyr brand) show 1" minimum I.D. size for magnesium.

EDIT: Found some on various sites. It's Martyr CMX-1 (3/4"). Item #CMX01M. They go for about $20/each.

Pat310

https://www.westmarine.com/martyr-streamlined-collar-zinc-anodes-with-hex-head-screws-P011046547.html

They might be available in stock if you’re in a hurry. 3/4 x 2 1/2” long are what I used