Tips on separating powerhead from 2 piece 2.5 exhaust plates (fishing motors)

[Fishinmymission]

Using an overhead chain hoist and the two pry areas on the left and right I was able to split the seam on the front half of the powerhead to exhaust plate interface but the back end does not want to separate. I tried using the cowling bracket bolt marked in blue in the attached photo (image for reference powerhead is still attached) as a fulcrum to try and split the aft end but I could not get it to split with a small pry bar. Going to borrow a bigger crowbar and try my luck tomorrow. I've done this once before and it was difficult but its worse this time.

Anyone got any tips or can recommend good tools for separating a saltwater powerhead?

[Whaaaaat]

You need to use the Blue wrench.

[Fishinmymission]

All the side by side tests that measure torque to remove with different penetrating fluids are steel nuts on steel threads. Ill get it with different pry bars, Pb blaster, hammering away at the studs sideways and torch heat cycles if i need to.
Research on what worked on aluminum or loosened aluminum oxide seemed to indicate a penetrating fluid called mouse milk is best so I got a bottle on order just in case i don't get it apart with everything else.

[nitro_rat]

IDK about "mouse milk." I find it cheaper to avoid old salty junk!

[kellytheaker]

Nitro is right but i think your on the right track - some heat and a bit of penetrant with some leverage coupled with some slight beating will eventually win out , continue your efforts . take your time - a block of wood is preferred against the seam while beatings get more aggressive - it will release

[Fishinmymission]

Got it. They are stuck around the shanks of all the bolts for sure. Beating the hell out of the exposed portions of the studs helps crack up the aluminum oxide and rust. Also a variets of pry bars and crow pars and mauls gets it done. Didnt even break my exhaust plate this time. Now new thread cause the newest gen opti cowlings dont fit on the 200 Carb intake box.

[nitro_rat]

throw away the intake box...

[Fishinmymission]

For real no issues with not using the carb intake box? Whats its purpose then? That will probably be my easiest solution.

[Merc 2.5]

I posted in ur other thread. Radiant used a opti cowl but idk if he kept airbox.