8.0B rudder post

[dorourke]

I need to remove my rudder from my boat before too much freezing damages the rudder from water saturation.

There is a pin connecting the rudder post to the tiller knuckle. I think it is a tapered pin, it also could be a threaded stud with the hex or slot ground off.

Does anyone know the best way to remove it before I take the drill to it?

[rperret]

could you post a picture? would help to understand best way to approach this. would be concerned if someone actually ground off the head of a bolt.

[dakuehn]

I removed the pin holding the rudder of my 82' 7.3 this summer using a hammer and nail set. The pin is tappered and comes out in only one direction. It has some notches that run along the side, which compress when you drive it into the shaft. If you look closely, you should be able to see these notches on one end of the pin, this is the end you should be hitting. I used an ample supply of 3 in 1 oil during my effort (I don't think the rudder had ever been dropped on my boat) and was getting a bit frustrated prior to success. My boat was out of the water, which made the process much easier.

[dakuehn]

Correction--hit the end of the pin where you do not see the notches. Looked at my pin last night and it refreshed my memory.

[dorourke]

Thanks much, this will help me. My first attempt at driving it out made me doubt it was a tapered pin, that's why I threw this question out here. Now that I know it is in fact a tapered pin I can swing the hammer with certain intent. I can't post a picture because I still don't know how to do it. I appretiate the replies.

Dennis