L/U plugs replaced with allen keys

[Cricket Too]

I took my lower unit into my local BRP dealer/shop to get re-sealed, and after I got it home I realized that they replaced my fill and drain plugs with new ones that had a 4mm Allen key head on them, rather than the standard big slotted flat head plugs.

This is a really reputable OMC/BRP shop in my area, one of the best, so I assume these are good, but I have never seen them before. Not really sure what was wrong with the old ones, they weren't beat up at all or anything.

Do these Allen key plugs do alright, the 4mm slot looks really easy to strip out while tightening, but the slot is also really deep on them so maybe they are strong.

How much torque do these plugs need to be fully sealed anyway? I have always just cranked them down as much as I could with the biggest screwdriver I could find, but these allen key plugs don't seem like they would take that much before stripping, plus a 4mm allen wrench isn't all that big to get a lot of torque with.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: L/U plugs replaced with allen keys

the plugs are suppose to have a sealing washer, so they don't need 100lbs of torque. there have been so many complaints about stripped head, they have changed them.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: L/U plugs replaced with allen keys

I will take the allen wrench head every time over a slot.

 

[watermellonI]

Re: L/U plugs replaced with allen keys

Ditto

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: L/U plugs replaced with allen keys

So they were getting complaints about the slotted flat head plugs? Hmm I never had any problems with them.

I always replaced the crush washers when I changed my oil, so I didn't really kill the plug when I put it in, just made it nice and snug with a good size screwdriver, not sure if I could twist a screwdriver for 100lbs of torque, maybe though.

So the allen key head is better huh? So how tight is good, just until it's snug with that little allen wrench? I didn't think I'd be able to get an allen to make it tight enough, but I guess just until the crush washer is crushed is good enough.

Thanks.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: L/U plugs replaced with allen keys

So they were getting complaints about the slotted flat head plugs? Hmm I never had any problems with them.

I always replaced the crush washers when I changed my oil, so I didn't really kill the plug when I put it in, just made it nice and snug with a good size screwdriver

I imagine that you are bang on. A good way to strip the flat head screws is by re using the crush washer, hence not being able to judge when you are tight. Installing a new washer, along with using a large 1/2 driver, is a good way to keep from stripping the slot.

I imagine the hex heads would prevent a bit of the stripping, albeit you have a new and unworn allan key that is.

I personally like the slotted screws myself, but that is just my own preference.

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: L/U plugs replaced with allen keys

Yeah at first I was considering going back and asking to get slotted plugs back, but I guess I'll see how these allen key plugs work out.

Is it possible to get them tight enough though with a little allen key? That's my biggest worry. I just spent $600 to get this lower unit re-sealed and if the plugs leak because I can't get them tight enough with a little 4mm allen key, I'm not gonna be happy.

 

[billybones]

Re: L/U plugs replaced with allen keys

A 4 mm allen key will tighten a bolt much tighter than a sloted screw. I would be more worried about breaking off the head. or stipping threads. Now no more dammage to the first thread. ;-)

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: L/U plugs replaced with allen keys

Yeah I was actually thinking about that, figured you might get a little more leverage with even a little allen wrench than twisting a screwdriver with your wrist.

So I guess just a good snug tweak with the allen wrench should be good enough for these things, right?

 

[samo_ott]

Re: L/U plugs replaced with allen keys

Hmmm... I like my slotted screws... but have not seem an allen key one yet so maybe would change my mind... but I doubt it...

 

[Scaaty]

Re: L/U plugs replaced with allen keys

They are designed that way with a small Allen Wrench so you DON"T overtighten. They just need a snug anyway. You only have a few aluminum threads in the lower, and they will strip out easier then that steel hex will. I love'em, never go back to the 1950's slot idea, that people would stick a big screwdriver on them, THEN a adjustable on the screwdriver, THEN crank'em down. Then butcher the crap out of them trying to get them off...

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: L/U plugs replaced with allen keys

They are designed that way with a small Allen Wrench so you DON"T overtighten. They just need a snug anyway. You only have a few aluminum threads in the lower, and they will strip out easier then that steel hex will. I love'em, never go back to the 1950's slot idea, that people would stick a big screwdriver on them, THEN a adjustable on the screwdriver, THEN crank'em down. Then butcher the crap out of them trying to get them off...

I second that comment.

 

[iwombat]

Re: L/U plugs replaced with allen keys

Personally, I like the allen heads. Not so much for tightening, though. After running for awhile in the salt a little electrolysis takes place no matter how much zinc you've got and sticks the plug to the casing. They can be a little tough to get moving with the screwdriver when that happens. Piece of cake with the allen wrench.