Hatch Hinge pin for a 1973 Morgan OI33

[jwcolby54]

I had to disassemble the forward hatch to reseal the plexiglass. The hatch is hinged using two pins with little tiny ball bearing looking things which apparently are supposed to be pushed out by internal springs? These little ball bearings are supposed to stick out far enough to prevent the pins from simply sliding out from that end.

Well anyway, the ball bearings are no longer sticking out far enough to prevent the pin from sliding out of the hinge mechanism. I have oiled the pin ball bearings with simple machine oil but there is no sign that whatever the spring mechanism is still functions. The balls themselves are slightly recessed now instead of slightly extruding, and they will not move further inwards nor pop back out.

So what do I do? Are these pins a standard item that I can walk in somewhere (or call) and get a replacement for?

[skipmac]

Yes those pins are standard items. Absolutely not specific to Morgan but found on most boats in various applications. Any good chandlery should have them or you can probably order online from Defender or similar.

[jwcolby54]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Yes those pins are standard items. Absolutely not specific to Morgan but found on most boats in various applications. Any good chandlery should have them or you can probably order online from Defender or similar.

Thanks SkipMac. I went to West Marine ands they show two in the computer, none on the shelf. But I'm close now.

[Cheechako]

Yes standard "detent pin", I'm amazed WM no longer carries them.

[jwcolby54]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

Yes standard "detent pin", I'm amazed WM no longer carries them.

They do. It seems that they are in the several pallets of stuff the guy was stocking the shelves with. Waiting for a call saying he found them.

[Hudson Force]

I'm sure you can replace them, but then again, you might not want to discard the old pins too soon. A few alternate times heating the pin shaft and storing on the freezer cold plate with some light oil (like PB-Blaster) in between can be rejuvenating. I've had the same pins on two Morgans since 1973. I've had them stick, but I could always revive them.

'might not be worth your time, but I enjoy the battle and the conquest!

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Hudson Force

I'm sure you can replace them, but then again, you might not want to discard the old pins too soon. A few alternate times heating the pin shaft and storing on the freezer cold plate with some light oil (like PB-Blaster) in between can be rejuvenating. I've had the same pins on two Morgans since 1973. I've had them stick, but I could always revive them.

'might not be worth your time, but I enjoy the battle and the conquest!

Good advice. I've been able to resuscitate stuck balls by soaking with PB Blaster then squeezing the ball with a pair of pliers to break it free. Work it a few times and good as new.

[Strait Shooter]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Good advice. I've been able to resuscitate stuck balls by soaking with PB Blaster then squeezing the ball with a pair of pliers to break it free. Work it a few times and good as new.

I can assure you that if you take my balls, soak them with PB Blaster, then squeeze them with a pair pliers, that they most certainly will not be as good as new.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Strait Shooter

I can assure you that if you take my balls, soak them with PB Blaster, then squeeze them with a pair pliers, that they most certainly will not be as good as new.

But they sure wouldn't be stuck either.

[eltombo]

yes they are a push pin and can be found at west marine, take a dremmel tool with a cut off wheel and cut off the end with ball in it and pull pin out