Tilt Tub Nuts Removal

[slofisher]

Got a 2000 Mercury Optimax 150. Trying to get the port side tilt tub nut off, (the one with the rubber inset that wipes the steering bar clean) so I can replace it with a new nut. Problem is the tilt tub turns with the nut and there is no way I can figure out how to hold the tube so I can get the nut off. Seemed like an easy task but apparently not so. Anyone got a solution?

[rock]

Does your's not have a nut on each end?

Rock

[slofisher]

Yes it does. Problem is when I hold that nut the tilt tub still turns.

[rock]

If you put a wrench on each end one of them has to come off.

Rock

[roadkill636]

Try wraping a piece of thick leather around it then with a BIG Vise Grip squeeez it as hard as a big boy can to hold it from spinning and to protect it from gouges.

[slofisher]

Correct Rock, but the one that comes off is not the one I want off. The port side nut is somewhat seized on the tilt tube. I think roadkill's approached is the only solution. I thought about that but am nervous of damaging the threads which will turn a simple repair into a major ****up. Ill give it a shot. Thank you both.

[99fxst99]

Use a small Dremel tool, grind along the center of one of the flats​ until you just start seeing threads, then smack it with a heavy hammer and chisel it'll probably split off.

[Whaaaaat]

Double nut one end if there's room. Or an inside pipe wrench. There's cheap inside wrenches they use for chrome fixtures in plumbing bathrooms and such, at home Depot.

[slofisher]

Awesome. Looks like all I had to do was simply post my problem on this site and miraculously the nut comes off simply by turning it with a wrench. I worked on the thing over an hour yesterday yet today it just comes right off. Amazing! Thanks.