90 Johnson 175 freeze plug replacement

[champy]

I have a 1990 Johnson 175 that has popped the freeze plug. Not cold enough to freeze, but probably worked it's way out over time. I cannot find the plug anywhere around the lower engine cover area.
Trying to find a replacement. Dealer can't find. Dealer called BRP and said they talked to someone new and was no help. I even tried searching the BRP parts catalog myself. dealer wants to pull the powerhead off and try to figure how to plug the hole. Has to be a replacement somewhere.
Model J175stlese.
Freeze plug is on the starboard side towards the rear underneath the powerhead. The photos show the hole where the plug should be. Any ideas where I can get a replacement or even if it is called a freeze plug?
Thanks.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 90 Johnson 175 freeze plug replacement

This happened on my 83 2.6. The aluminum plug is in the exhaust adapter. Mine was out when I first fired it up in the spring and noticed that it did not make water pressure on the gauge. Found the plug laying in the lower cowling. Applied red loctite and tapped it back in. 3 years and so far so good. The part in not in any parts lists, so you will have problems finding a replacment. I'd pull the lower cowl off and see if you can find it. The aluminum plug is actually tapered somewhat- a really unique part. I suppose you could drill and tap it and then put a plug in it.

 

[champy]

Re: 90 Johnson 175 freeze plug replacement

thanks for the information.
It popped out a couple years ago and i was able to dig it out and put back in.
apparantly not far enough. Like you said, it's tappered, and mechanic told me I should have pounded it in all the way.
my problem is I had the cowl off when it popped off and I believe it went into the lake. Surely BRP has them. I think I just need to find the right person to talk to over there.

tapping may become the best option.

 

[champy]

Re: 90 Johnson 175 freeze plug replacement

Well, replacement plug is almost impossible to find.
Finally found the original plug and took me an hour to fish it out and replace. Used the locktite and pounded all the way in.

Will keep an eye on it.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: 90 Johnson 175 freeze plug replacement

Well, replacement plug is almost impossible to find.
Finally found the original plug and took me an hour to fish it out and replace. Used the locktite and pounded all the way in.

Will keep an eye on it.

Could be a little business opportunity for replacements here.
If only I had a few samples !!!!

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 90 Johnson 175 freeze plug replacement

CONGRATULATIONS! Your hour spent fishing it out is probably much less than your the time you would have spent on other options.