Gearcase Drain Plug. HELP....

[fishthebay]

I have an 1987 Force (85HP) I went to change the lower unit oil today and stripped the drain plug. Its a 4mm allen wrench fitting. A very very small plug. Anyway, I can't get the plug out, so I trailered the boat up to the shop.<br /><br />The mechanic said to just leave it and don't worry about it. Now I did do a successful lower unit oil change in May, but wanted to do it again for fishing season here in Virginia Beach, since I will be running my boat a lot.<br /><br />The mechanic also told me that if I pulled the vent and fill plug and noticed a good clean gear oil to just again not worry about it. He recommended topping the oil off and checking it again the next day after it had time to settle.<br /><br />I did this and the oil is very clean. Obviously, I can't check to see if there is any metal shaving in the gearcase, because I stripped the plug.<br /><br />He said if I went to a machnine shop that they could probably tap it and put in another plug, but DIDN'T recommend doing this now.<br /><br />He said don't open up a can of worms. If its OK don't mess with it. He also said I could thorouly clean the area around the drain plug and put a little silicone there to assure myself no water leaks in. Now everytime I have changed this in the past I have noticed not any shaving or milky oil. Its always been great.<br /><br />Finally, he told me that I should never even have to change the oil. He used the automobile scenario, before there was no jiffy lube did you ever change your differential fluid?<br /><br />SUGGESTIONS SUGGESTIONS would be appreciated. Should I not worry and leave it?, Rockfish season opens in a few weeks and I would hate to be stuck on shore.<br /><br />I know force isn't a great motor from reading these posts, but I never have had a problem except for this. I figure if I can get a few more years out of it thats fine for me. What do I do???

 

[fishthebay]

Re: Gearcase Drain Plug. HELP....

I forgot to add. If your recommendations are to not tap out the drain plug, can you perform your annual lower unit oil change by using a sifin? Say put it down the fill or vent opening and try and force the oil out of the opening.

 

[JB]

Re: Gearcase Drain Plug. HELP....

It is possible that the only reason that P.O.J. has lasted this long, Fish'', is your T.L.C. . <br /><br />o get a replacement plug, then get this one out. If you think it is needed, change the oil. <br /><br />Your wrench's attitude could go a long way toward explaining why Forces have such a bad rep. They wont tolerate neglect.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[fishthebay]

Re: Gearcase Drain Plug. HELP....

JB Thanks for your input. Why would you recommend trying to get this one out? I know if I take it to a machine shop and they drill it out, then they are going to have to make me a new threated hole. What if they screw it up worse and I begin to leak gear oil, which will assure water getting into the case.<br /><br />I topped it off through the fill plug and the oil that came out of the vent looked great.<br /><br />Do you still suggest getting the machine shop guy to give it a try. Like I said if he screws it up it isn't worth getting a new lower unit when this may last a few more years with like it is.<br /><br />Also, can't I just use a long tube through the vent and/or fill plugs to get the used gear oil out next season?<br /><br />Your comments are always appreciated. I am no mechanic on this end.

 

[NJBOATS]

Re: Gearcase Drain Plug. HELP....

you could also do this job yourself. buy a helicoil kit it will tell you the drill size to use.The kit comes with a tap and an installer,pretty easy to do give it a try and save some $$$ <br /><br /> ps allways change the gear oil at least once a year laters NJ

 

[fone_man]

Re: Gearcase Drain Plug. HELP....

Here is my suggestion...<br /><br />I know how "rockfish" fishing can be as my brother goes nuts when he goes & if you have seen from my other posts, the only thing I fish for is a "12 oz'er" out of the cooler!!! LOL So know you probably luv it too!!!<br /><br />I would run to the end of season... it is like running an extra 1000 miles on your car oil change, it will be ok!!! Don't worry about it, you can fix in off-season!!!<br /><br />4 mm is quite small but I have gotten smaller out by using a bolt & grinding head down with electric grinder until it was tight & then tapping in the hole until tight & then back out, drain and then install a new one. <br /><br />This is what I would do before I would try to drill a hole thru it, insert tap & then back out, drain and then install a new one. <br /><br />Last case scenario, would be drill plug, re-tap & install oversize plug.<br /><br />But do yourself a favor & wait until you have some downtime/off-season to repair completely/correctly... Go get you some rockfish!!!!<br /><br /><br />

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Gearcase Drain Plug. HELP....

Fish, you are not the first to strip these puny plugs.....but wait to off season to repair...if you fill through 1 top plug , you will get a decent lube change...the top of the 2 cavities are not connected....as far as metal check in the lube, if changed within 20 to 30 minutes of usage, you will see any contamination in the lube you are pushing out...if it was mine, I would leave the lower plug prob until I was seeing water in the case...then a reseal and repair at the same time......

 

[kev_79]

Re: Gearcase Drain Plug. HELP....

This my sound contradictory, but I agree with 12 footer, Go fishing, if you changed it earlier in the year. Most of us only change at the first of the year anyhow. I also agree with JB, get a new mechanic, he is a dumbass. Tell him to back his differential of his car into the water for about 2 months, and then don't change it ever again. Force's definatley need much attention. Good luck, with the fishing, and finding a new wrench

 

[kev_79]

Re: Gearcase Drain Plug. HELP....

sorry fone_man, I meant you, I don't know what the hell I was thinking

 

[fone_man]

Re: Gearcase Drain Plug. HELP....

kev_79:<br /><br />12 footer???? I didn't see his post here???

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: Gearcase Drain Plug. HELP....

Kev_79, I almost spewed my adult beverage on the keyboard when I read your suggestion to his mechanic. I needed a good laugh!

 

[fone_man]

Re: Gearcase Drain Plug. HELP....

Me too... Fouled Plug!!! Sometime you need to call 'em like you see 'em!!!!!!!<br /><br />

 

[fishthebay]

Re: Gearcase Drain Plug. HELP....

Thanks for all the input. I found a recommended mobile mechanic that is friends with my neighbor. He said he sees this all the time and could probably get it out in 5 minutes.<br /><br />He is coming over next Wednesday to do the job.<br /><br />He said even if it took him an hour, he would only charge $40-$50 bucks.<br /><br />I don't think thats bad and if I get it fixed now I don't have to worry.<br /><br />I will keep you posted.

 

[my new fishmaster]

Re: Gearcase Drain Plug. HELP....

Good old USA coins should do the trick I used a nickel to get my plugs out.