oh TrollerDave, yet they were old rusted and broken. it might have been the original, not too sure about that. but crappy hardware was the culprit.
Before you put epoxy and the red Loctite on, just know that you'll want to be able to remove and replace that loader.
Just in case you suck up a rope or weeds; to inspect the loader; try a different loader... etc.
You want the loader secure, but able to be removed with out destroying the rest of the jet.
Even with the right hardware, be sure to check your loader bolts before each time you use your boat.
Like crew chief said, " you got lucky".
It could have been bad if you were at speed and that grate broke and got sucked into the jet. And not just for your impeller.
This is from Flusher's post (#49 in the other thread).
ANOTHER WORD OF CAUTION!!! LOADERS, AND THE ATTACHING HARDWARE, NEED TO BE CHECKED FREQUENTLY! Loaders are the one part where upon failure, the WILL crash. There is a tremendous load being placed on the loader, the bolts holding it, and the intake itself. You should inspect your loader frequently for cracks that might form, in the verticals, just after the loader pad where it attaches to the intake. Corrosion is another issue and if not kept in check, can render a loader unsafe. The intake should be drilled and tapped all the way through to 5/16-18UNC 2B. Inspect the torque on the fasteners every trip. Only grade 8 fasteners should be used to attach the loader. Stainless steel fasteners are between a grade 2 and a grade 5 for strength and should not be used to attach a loader. At least the rear two fasteners should have nylon locking nuts installed on the inside of the intake. Install nylon locking nuts on all four fasteners if there is no interference with the oil pan. Replace the fasteners every season to avoid corrosion fatigue. Use a lot of anti-seize to facilitate easy removal of the fasteners.
