Stupid allen head gearlube plugs!

[WillyBWright]

What idiot decided to put tiny allen heads on the new factory gearlube screws? Wussa matter, gotta earn your salary by screwing with the rest of the planet? Wutta dumschidt idea!

Two things really worry me about the future of BRP. The Bozo that came up with the stupid idea, and all the Bozos that thought it was a good enough idea to change what has been working since the dawn of outboard time.

Well, at least it gives one a good center point to drill it for an easy-out.

 

[ob]

Re: Stupid allen head gearlube plugs!

If the allen screw flats are rounded , sometimes you can slightly dress down each flat on the next larger size wrench on a grinding wheel and tap it into the screw head getting enough of a good bite to extract it and then replace with new.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Stupid allen head gearlube plugs!

You are blaming the wrong culprit. I'd go more with the bozo putting them in without a little thread lube, and torquing them down like they held the motor together. I think (21 year First Class Machinist) think they are Godsend. I hate the damn 1930's flatbalde idea, and glad to see it gone. If people would learn to use a good Allen wrench (heres where Harbor Freight tools aint the best...ya need hardened Allen Brand) and learn that you torque to slightly crush the gasket/O-ring/Fiber washer, I see zero problems. And the reason for the small Hex is just for that, so a small wrench can only be used,. If they made it so a 3/8th's went in there, the ham fisted would torque the threads out. Now, calm down. They sell EZ-Outs for Socket head screws too. I'll take the Hex over Flatblade anyday.

 

[Walker]

Re: Stupid allen head gearlube plugs!

. I'll take the Hex over Flatblade anyday.

Damn straight.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Stupid allen head gearlube plugs!

I agree with Scatty and Walker. To many times I've had to get out the impact tool to get the slotted heads lose. The allen fitted screws are a good thing for all.....just my opinion.

Trick is not to torque them in too tight. Snug is good with a new washer.

 

[mikesea]

Re: Stupid allen head gearlube plugs!

I wish you guys would stop beating around the bush. Tell us how you really feel. Just kiddin,watch that blood pressure guys. " If they made it so a 3/8th's went in there, the ham fisted would torque the threads out." Let me tell ya about my first chevy rebuild.The timing chain cover was 60 inch lbs if I recall.Well after the second 1/4 20 snapped,I realized my torque wrench was ft.lbs.Hell,I was a kid and didn't wait for Dad.Live and learn.

 

[OBJ]

Re: Stupid allen head gearlube plugs!

Problem, as I see it, most folks that do their own maint on the lower unit......gear lube and such....feel that if they don't torque the drain and vent plugs to at least 50ft lb, then they will leak......the ft lb thing being just a number I grabbed.

Becomes a problem when they try to do the next gear lube change out. Then the slot becomes tore out because they don't have the correct size screw driver. Then out comes the flat punch and hammer.....which, if used correctly, will knock them lose. But the punch, over a period of time leaves the slot useless.....and on and on.

The biggest advantage to the allen heads is....again in my opinion....the user won't have to feel like he/she (always politically correct) won't have to torque the plugs in so tight since they can "feel" the plug a little better with the allen wrench.

 

[BoatGuy22]

Re: Stupid allen head gearlube plugs!

An impact driver is a mechanics best friend.8)

 

[imported_Curmudgeon]

Re: Stupid allen head gearlube plugs!

Anyone know if allen heads are available for the big Honda?

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Stupid allen head gearlube plugs!

Well in all these years,I've had 2 slotted screw types I had real trouble removing.

But old Chrysler/Force allens ?????? Yep,I know they were pipe thread.

Guess we gotta go with the times.

Fix it till it's broke ! !

DHP