Table post/filler cushion post always gets stuck

KHE

Member
Feb 28, 2012
238
West Michigan
Boat Info
1997 Sea Ray 240 Sundancer
Engines
Mercruiser 5.7L EFI alpha 1 Gen 2 drive
'97 240 DA.

What is the trick for preventing the table support post and the short post that allows the table to support the filler cushion from getting stuck? The problem is most prevalent with the short post that supports the table at the lowest height to support the filler cushion. It always gets stuck in the engine cover receptacle. To remove it, I need to unbolt it from the engine cover, put the "assembly" in the freezer for a half hour, then heat the receptacle with a heat gun and tap it off.

I've split the bushings which prevents it from getting stuck in the table but it still gets stuck in the lower receptacle. I'm going to try spraying the plastic bushings with silicone spray next.

I'm interested in how others have solved this issue. Thanks.
 
Last edited:
that sounds pretty extreme. Mine gets wedged pretty good but a wack on each 'side' of the post with the palm of my hand gets it loosened up enough where I can twist it and remove
 
Pretty much the same, a couple of whacks on each side and a good twist/pull and it comes out. Maybe try some anti-seize/galling compound made for aluminum?
 
When you pull upwards, while whacking/tapping the pole on the side to jiggle it loose... make sure your head is not directly above the pole! A couple light taps on the side is all it usually takes. Other than that, make sure the pole and the socket are totally clean.
 
  • Like
Reactions: KHE
I put a little dish detergent on my finger and wipe it around the post where it contacts the deck support, prior to inserting the post. It rarely gets stuck since I started doing that.
 
I once fought with mine for hours. After that I tried wrapping a sheet of wax paper around the pole. To my amazement, it worked. I have never, ever had to fight that pole since doing this. And when it gets torn up, I put a new sheet on. So simple!
 
Thanks to all for the suggestions! Last week my family were in Munising, MI and the short pole wouldn't budge with the tapping and pulling technique. When I got home, I had to unscrew it and do the freezer/heat gun technique I described.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,948
Messages
1,422,806
Members
60,930
Latest member
Ebrown69
Back
Top