Pulling pumps with Thrust Vectors

[Bill D]

So after seeing all this business about the cone bearings I decided to pull my pumps before the summer. I ran across an issue with the Thrust Vectors... I can't remove the bolt for the steering cable with the TV installed. The spring sits right in the way. Is this a common problem, or was the install done incorrectly? BTW, it appears as though the allen head was stripped and it was tightened with Channellocks.

 

[buckbuck]

Yes, it is a problem with mine also. To remedy, I just flipped the bolt so the nut is on top.

 

[Bill D]

Thanks @buckbuck. That was my plan too until I realized the allen was stripped. So now I either have the choice of getting replacement bolts from Will or converting to the Cobra Fangs that have caught my interest...

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

You mean JOIN the FANG NATION!!! haaa

 

[Gym]

Just pulled my jets with the Ultimates installed. Same issue. You must remove the spring or flip the bolt over. Not a big deal though.

 

[Bill D]

Ok kids, before installing fins of any sort, flip that bolt over! Lol

 

[Bruce]

I considered flipping the bolt over but it would create a greater potential for failure. If the nut was to come loose and the bolt is upside down it would fall out. As it is gravity would likely keep the bolt in place.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

Mine have a 13 mm hex head bolt so removing it is simple .

 

[Julian]

Am I missing something.....can't you just put a socket on the bottom and hold the top with an adjustable wrench or spanner?

 

[Gym]

Am I missing something.....can't you just put a socket on the bottom and hold the top with an adjustable wrench or spanner?

No, the spring and washer prevent you from getting on the bolt head.

 

[Bill D]

You can totally loosen the bolt and remove the nut. But you can't get the bolt out. The clearance between the bracket and the spring is shorter than the bolt.

 

[JetBoatPilot]

The Allen head screw on the outside of the spring tensioner needs to be removed. Once you do you can remove the spring g tensioner. Then you can get access to the head of the spring bolt.

 

[Bill D]

Just to wrap this up, I contacted Will @JetBoatPilot to order new bolts for my Thrust Vectors. He noted from my pictures that the bolt and spring assembly's I currently had installed were the old design and he could send me new bolts under warranty for no charge! So for $8 shipping I got new bolts and springs and solved my issue. Thanks Jet Boat Pilot for the excellent customer service!

I had to use my Dremmel to cut a slot in the old bolts since the head was stripped.

I was then able to use a large flat head screwdriver to remove. The it was simple enough to install the new assembly.

On a side note, the steering bolt would interfere with the new spring assembly if turned upside down. So I guess I'll continue removing the spring if I pull the pumps. Won't be a big deal now that it's not stripped out. I have also noticed that the plastic bushing around that bolt is completely gone on both sides, so I'll be ordering some of those.

 

[JetBoatPilot]

We can warranty them as well. Just let us know.

 

[Wayloncle]

I just pulled my pumps this morning and had to remove the spring to get the bolt out. No big deal since mine weren't stripped though.
I flipped the bolt over and put the nut on top.