50 hp water pump

[imported_miked]

Howdy! I have an early 70's Merc 500, 50 hp, sn # 3241205. To remove the water pump base, my manual's say to first remove the flushing screw. The screw seems to be made of plastic, and my swrewdriver destroyed the slot! I guess I'll have to drill it out, but I don't know what's behind it. Is it simply a plug? Or does it extend into the water pump base? I don't want to accidentally damage anything else while drilling the screw. Thanx, Mike

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 50 hp water pump

hello<br /> why do you need to remove the base? if its not melted or leaking oil then let it be. if you must remove it then you have to drill out the plastic plug. its possible to do this without destroying the base, a new base is 25 dollars or so but does not come with the plug.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[imported_miked]

Re: 50 hp water pump

Thanx rodbolt. This is my first time inside a L.U. If I don't need to remove the base, I won't! I was just following the steps in the book! What is behind the plug marked "flush"? Is it just a tapped hole to screw a fitting into? If I do drill it out, will I then need to remove the base to clean out the plastic chips? Thanx, Mike