Tried to replace my anode and...

[kennetht]

Got my new anode in the mail yesterday, so I went to install it. Did a gentle half turn with my socket wrench on the top bolt, and snap, the head broke right off. WTFFFF

The anode is still secured in place very well, as the top bolt threads are still threaded into the anode (due to the anode deteorating around the bolt threads) and the boat, and the bottom bolt is still in place, but what the heck am I supposed to do now. I know it can be drilled out, but I've never done it on something of this magnitude.



I also know there are threads on the other side of the jet (photo 2), that it looks like an anode can be put, but even those threads look beaten up, and it looks like a new thick anode will get in the way of the steering arm.



What do you guys think?

 

[Wayloncle]

Does the anode really have threads in it? I wouldn’t think it would be threaded, only the pump should be threaded. If it was me I’d soak the bottom bolt in your favorite flavor of penetrating oil and try to turn it out. If it breaks as well, I’d take the anode off the headless bolts and soak them in some oil for a good while and try to get the bolts out with vice grips.
If they still won’t come out I’d cut them off close to the housing and drill them out.

 

[rkim808]

Aloha @kennetht Try and use an EasyOut. Go to Home Depot or Hardware store find one for the size bolt, should be less then $10. Hope u get it out...

 

[kennetht]

Does the anode really have threads in it? I wouldn’t think it would be threaded, only the pump should be threaded.

Sorry that was confusing, no the anode does not have threads in it, but the anode is so far eroded, the anode has practically eroded itself around the threads of the bolt, therefore securing it in place, even without the bolt head holding the anode in place.

 

[ZGhost]

Does the anode really have threads in it? I wouldn’t think it would be threaded, only the pump should be threaded. If it was me I’d soak the bottom bolt in your favorite flavor of penetrating oil and try to turn it out. If it breaks as well, I’d take the anode off the headless bolts and soak them in some oil for a good while and try to get the bolts out with vice grips.
If they still won’t come out I’d cut them off close to the housing and drill them out.

I agree with @Wayloncle assessment and recommendation.

 

[Looper7]

Along with the penetrating oil use heat so the capillary action will pull it in as well as let the aluminum grow making it easier to get the bolts out. I am a huge fan of the old smoke wrench

 

[Speedling]

Machine shop.
$20 in and out most likely.
Let them do what they do for a living and just take the pumps off and bring them in.