Need a little brainstorming

[Andys Delight]

I have a feeling my oil pump filter at the external tank might be all gunked up and I want to change it out.  I hear the pump working, and hear it kick on harder when I hit the switch on the engine to fill the tank on the engine, but no oil is actually coming up to the tank on the engine.  My problem is I need to pull the reserve tank out and I can't get anything down to the bolt to take off the bracket.  Here's the diagram:

http://www.boats.net/parts/search/Yamaha/Outboard/1988/200ETXG/OIL%20TANK/parts.html#

My problem is part #20, the bolt that goes through the bracket.  I have tried a socket wrench with an extension but I can't actually get the socket on the bolt because the tank is close to the sidewall and I can't get the socket wrench in at the right angle to get it on the bolt.  Then I realized in the diagram that there is a nut and washer on the underside, which I have no clue how I'm going to get to.  I want to get to part #6, the strainer, which looks to be on the back side of the tank in the fitted indentations of the tank, with the plate of the bracket covering it.  I am pretty confident the pump is working, but even if it isn't I still need to get behind there to get to it.  Am I missing something or is it time to break out the sawzall and try to carefully cut through the bracket?

[wb]

u-joint socket to get the right angle?

[Scott G.]

It looks like once you get the bracket off the top of the oil tank you should have room to move it around because of the hoses... If you are using 3/8 drive ratchet set try to use a 1/4 drive. It will give you more room and for the lower nut try using a ratchet box wrench to hold back on... Hope this helps.

[Maritime Matt]

1/4 inch drive, long extensions and swivel sockets are what I use. These Yamaha brackets are junk. Why not make them out of stainless or aluminum so they don't rust? The nut on the underside of the bracket should be welded. No wrench needed. If the nut turns, more than likely that area of the bracket is so rusty you can literally just give it a few prys, grabs or whatever it takes to get it out. The bolt head is 10 millimeter. We usually change those filters when we do an oil tank service.
Matt

[wb]

These Yamaha brackets are junk. Why not make them out of stainless or aluminum so they don't rust?

this one, almost too nice to bury in the bilge:

http://artecindustries.3dcartstores.com/Yamaha-Oil-Tank-Reservoir-Bracket_p_119.html

pricey tho ...

[Andys Delight]

These Yamaha brackets are junk. Why not make them out of stainless or aluminum so they don't rust?

this one, almost too nice to bury in the bilge:

http://artecindustries.3dcartstores.com/Yamaha-Oil-Tank-Reservoir-Bracket_p_119.html

pricey tho ...

Warren, Pretty sure that's what I have.  The problem isn't the bracket (yet, I haven't been able to get it out), the problem is there's only about an inch of space between the bracket and the sidewall and the bolt is on an angle.  I can get a socket wrench with an extension to the bolt, but because of the limited space I can't actually get it on the bolt due to the angle.  Now I am hoping that Matt is right and the nut on the underside is actually welded on (it doesn't look like it in your picture).  If not and it just starts spinning if I do get a socket onto the bolt then I am at a loss because I can't get to that at all.  I am hoping I might be able to try again tonight if I can get down there.  I've been kind of lazy and have just been filling the reserve tank on the engine for the meantime to get out and enjoy the water, but I really need to nip this in the bud soon.  Taking the cowling off tends to frighten the guests hahahahaha. 

[Andys Delight]

Great success!  Warren, I definitely have the bracket you linked.  Got a 1/4 inch extension and managed to BARELY get a socket on the bolt.  Thankfully the nut was welded on the underside and it came off easily.  Changed out the filter, hit the emergency fill switch on the engine, and watched the reservoir fill right up.  Also, managed to make a small adjustment to the electric choke since it was getting stuck sometimes and not engaging and that seems to be fixed as well, meaning it looks like I will be having some trips that don't require lifting the cowling, knock on wood.  I typically crap my pants and stand with a blank stare whenever I try to fix anything to do with an engine so this is quite a big step for me.   

[Salty Dog]

Boat full of people ,beverage,food bait and the motor just makes a click sound .Know that'll fill your pants up quick as well.Glad it worked out for you . 

[Hunter 2]

Ahh, Nice job!!  Good luck with the boat.

[Scott G.]

 

[IrishAyes]

  Now get out and test out the repair...I mean, fish. 

[Andys Delight]

Boat full of people ,beverage,food bait and the motor just makes a click sound .Know that'll fill your pants up quick as well.Glad it worked out for you . 

Nahhh, at that point I tell the people to get out and swim while I sit back and enjoy the beverages 

[NJ Guy]

upon getting back to my boat earlier this season...they gave me the call and everything was done and boat was back in the water...got on turned the key....nothing....i almost pulled the drain plug and said goodbye to here before i realized my battery switch was off  ....started right up