Removing & replacing drive oil screws

[SandyBoat]

I?ve read the manual on how to change the drive oil on my Alpha 1 Gen 2 outdrive, but was wondering what the best way is to remove and replace the oil drain and vent screws. In particular how you torque the screws back up to the correct setting when you replace them. I?m guessing that just using a screwdriver isn?t going to get the plugs in tight enough? How does everybody else do it?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[djvan]

Re: Removing & replacing drive oil screws

I don't know if it's right or not but i use a large handled screwdriver and tighten as much as possible by hand. Some say to replace the gaskets every time, but i inspect and replace when needed or when winterizing, which ever comes first.
I ground the tip to fit the screws and that is all I use that screwdriver for.


DougV>

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Removing & replacing drive oil screws

I don't know if it's right or not but i use a large handled screwdriver and tighten as much as possible by hand. Some say to replace the gaskets every time, but i inspect and replace when needed or when winterizing, which ever comes first.
I ground the tip to fit the screws and that is all I use that screwdriver for.


DougV>

That is what I do use a thin but wide #3 screwdriver that fit's the slot good, And tighten down as tight as my stong hand will get it to go past stop "so to speak". I have not had one back out on me in 17 years yet that I know of. But you might want to recheck it every once in a while I have read in some of these fourms they have fallen out and damaged their drives with no oil, They must have not tightend them down good enough because untill I started reading these fourms a few months ago I never heard of that happing before

 

[bamadave]

Re: Removing & replacing drive oil screws

The only way to insure the plug doesn't back out is to use an impact driver (not air impact) to tighten the plug. Easiest way to loosen the plug as well. These are the ones that you strike with a hammer on the end to operate.

 

[SandyBoat]

Re: Removing & replacing drive oil screws

Thanks for the replies. In the end I used a mechanics screwdriver (one with a hexagon bolster on it) and did the final tightening with a spanner on the screwdriver. Not sure if its torqued to 23 lb-ft as it says in the manual, but seems tight enough to me. I will check the plugs a few times after I have used the boat to make sure they don't fall out, just to be on the safe side.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Removing & replacing drive oil screws

In the end I used a mechanics screwdriver (one with a hexagon bolster on it) and did the final tightening with a spanner on the screwdriver. Not sure if its torqued to 23 lb-ft as it says in the manual, but seems tight enough to me.

Ayuh,.... 23 lb.ft. is Not all that tight,... I use my calibrated wrist,+ a plain ole Big screwdriver all the time,...

I'd probably take a Bet that you're up to 50ft.lbs.,... No Problem...

And,... I can Agree with ya on using an Impact Driver to remove a Stuck screw bamadave,....
But,..
Setting a 3/8" screw with 1 is Way Overkill.... 'ell,.. The Hole is only a few threads deep....

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Removing & replacing drive oil screws

Always replace the sealing washers! Why risk it when they are less than a buck each at any boat dealer.
The Mercruiser gaskets are blue paper type gaskets and are meant for only one use.
The OMC and some Volvo drives use the nylon washers..You may get away with using them more than once but not a good idea.

 

[Don S]

Re: Removing & replacing drive oil screws

Just think of the damage water can do to gears and bearings, and the cost of an outdrive. Is it worth NOT putting new gaskets on???????

 

[SandyBoat]

Re: Removing & replacing drive oil screws

They gave me the replacement washers for free with the Mercruiser gear lube and pump - so no excuse really not to use them

 

[bamadave]

Re: Removing & replacing drive oil screws

Bond-O, Right or wrong, I tighten the plugs by hand, then tighten with the impact by barely striking it with a small ball ping hammer. It barely turns the plug. Been doing it for 32 years that way and never have had a problem.
I replace the seals every time I pull the plugs for any reason. I buy a pack of 10 blue seals for $5.00. Hell, if I couldn't afford to spend $1.00 every time I remove the plugs, I'd sell my boats and never have any thing to with with them anymore. Just my opinion.