I have a 2001 optimax 200 (SN OT306055 – yea one of those) and am trying to change the air filter. 3 of the 4 screws are stripped. Not that they are stripped the bottom receiver thread plate has broken loose and the nuts will not back out. I bought this boat and motor in April and it had 325 hours on it. It now has 330. The previous owner (a great guy) said he had no problem with the motor and all ways had Mercury mechanics work on the motor. Looking at the filter it looks like it has been a while in the holder. What is the best way to get the screws out of the receiver? The only way I can see is to pull the screws with the receiver attached out and glue them back in once out.
Thanks Pat