Any tips on removing the drain plugs on a Cobra?

[Ck111484]

Trying to remove the 3 drain plugs on my '93 Cobra drive to finish the winterization process, and I got the vent plug out (upper starboard) but cannot for the life of me get the two lower ones out (no, NOT the "never remove" plug).
The suckers are stuck in there good, and trying to get them out with my BAS (big *** screwdriver) is causing them to strip, so I stopped.

Any suggestions??

I know I can pull the drive, but I just pulled it half way through the summer to replace the shift cable, and I really don't feel like doing it again

 

[Nivekt]

Re: Any tips on removing the drain plugs on a Cobra?

I took an old beat up chisel and formed it on my bench grinder to be a massive, perfectly fitting screwdriver for my outdrive only. I use that in combination with a pair of channel locks on the shaft of the chisel to turn it. Basically put pressure on the chisel handle towards the screw and turn with the channel locks.

 

[Don S]

Re: Any tips on removing the drain plugs on a Cobra?

They call the proper tool an impact screwdriver. Google it

 

[lake erie monster]

Re: Any tips on removing the drain plugs on a Cobra?

what is this "do not remove" plug you refer to, do you have a picture so as to avoid it

 

[boobie]

Re: Any tips on removing the drain plugs on a Cobra?

As said above, get an impact screwdriver and they will come out.

 

[chconger]

Re: Any tips on removing the drain plugs on a Cobra?

"Trying to remove the 3 drain plugs on my '93 Cobra drive to finish the winterization process, and I got the vent plug out (upper starboard) but cannot for the life of me get the two lower ones out (no, NOT the "never remove" plug)."

Hmmm-- if you have the "vent" out, then there is only one lower "drain" left, correct? What second drain?

Sounds like your on to something that is not a drain there.


Chris

 

[Ck111484]

Re: Any tips on removing the drain plugs on a Cobra?

There's two drains - one on each side, and a vent plug above the starboard drain, so 3 plugs total.

 

[chconger]

Re: Any tips on removing the drain plugs on a Cobra?

There's two drains - one on each side, and a vent plug above the starboard drain, so 3 plugs total.

Can you post an image of what you see there?

 

[bullsnot]

Re: Any tips on removing the drain plugs on a Cobra?

And once you get them out upgrade to an allen head drain plug. Sierra has them available for my 88 drive anyway. Here are the part numbers for my unit:

Drain Screw Lower Unit - Middle 18-4255 - DRAIN SCREW, 307551 ALLEN TYPE
Drain Screw Lower Unit - Lower 18-4249 - DRAIN SCREW, 318544 ALLEN TYPE

 

[chconger]

Re: Any tips on removing the drain plugs on a Cobra?

There are not 2 drains on an OMC Cobra.

1) There is the oil level dipstick on the top of the out-drive
2) There is the oil fill plug on the starboard side just about 1/2 way up.
3) There is one drain plug on the starboard side, under the gear housing, at the top of the skeg.

If your trying to remove anything else...it is not going to help with draining or filling your cobra with gear lube.

see attached

 

[bullsnot]

Re: Any tips on removing the drain plugs on a Cobra?

There are not 2 drains on an OMC Cobra.

1) There is the oil level dipstick on the top of the out-drive
2) There is the oil fill plug on the starboard side just about 1/2 way up.
3) There is one drain plug on the starboard side, under the gear housing, at the top of the skeg.

If your trying to remove anything else...it is not going to help with draining or filling your cobra with gear lube.

see attached

View attachment 172100

Just to be clear on my post, "B" and "C" is what I am referencing above. The only difference in the 2 screws is the bottom one has a magent on the end of it.

 

[chconger]

Re: Any tips on removing the drain plugs on a Cobra?

Just to be clear on my post, "B" and "C" is what I am referencing above. The only difference in the 2 screws is the bottom one has a magent on the end of it.

Understood -- just trying to help out "Ck111484" and is original problem. He is stripping screw heads on the port side where no lube service takes place.

So he has misidentified something....

Chris

 

[MRS]

Re: Any tips on removing the drain plugs on a Cobra?

Understood -- just trying to help out "Ck111484" and is original problem. He is stripping screw heads on the port side where no lube service takes place.

So he has misidentified something....

Chris

He is right there is one on the port side that drains water he is trying to get ready for winter.

 

[chconger]

Re: Any tips on removing the drain plugs on a Cobra?

He is right there is one on the port side that drains water he is trying to get ready for winter.

Arrg -- yes . I am not reading correctly and making stupid assumptions based on my experience. I never remove any water drains as I pull the drive.

 

[Ck111484]

Re: Any tips on removing the drain plugs on a Cobra?

Talking about water drain plugs, not gear lube
They're located on the pivot housing.

(not my photos)

 

[chconger]

Re: Any tips on removing the drain plugs on a Cobra?

Talking about water drain plugs, not gear lube
They're located on the pivot housing.

Yes I see now, Thanks!

I can't get mine out either. Stainless and aluminum don't play well together it seems. Impact driver...lots of WD40?? Heat is certainly not an option.

Perhaps removing the drive is easier at the end of the day.

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Any tips on removing the drain plugs on a Cobra?

what is this "do not remove" plug you refer to, do you have a picture so as to avoid it

Welcome to iBoats.
If you have a question, start your own thread. Don't hijack someone else's thread with a different question.

 

[Ck111484]

Re: Any tips on removing the drain plugs on a Cobra?

I was able to use brute force to get the port side drain plug out, but the head of the starboard side plug was too stripped so I ended up just removing the drive.
Oh well, only takes 10 minutes, and this way I'll have peace of mind that the bellows are in good shape and that the gimball bearing is greased next season.

 

[Black as]

Re: Any tips on removing the drain plugs on a Cobra?

Trying to remove the 3 drain plugs on my '93 Cobra drive to finish the winterization process, and I got the vent plug out (upper starboard) but cannot for the life of me get the two lower ones out (no, NOT the "never remove" plug).
The suckers are stuck in there good, and trying to get them out with my BAS (big *** screwdriver) is causing them to strip, so I stopped.

Any suggestions??

I know I can pull the drive, but I just pulled it half way through the summer to replace the shift cable, and I really don't feel like doing it again

If the impact driver doesn’t work, try heating up the drain plug to melt the "O" ring do this a few times as you don’t wont to over do it in one go, let it cool and do it again, be patient though. this should help breaking the seal when the "o" ring is melted. If this doesn’t work weld a HEX nut to it but weld it on the inside of the nut, let it cool then use a spanner, you will then have to purchase new plugs and o rings……good luck, I had this problem with a oil filter once and it took me 3 days to get it off using a small blow torch and doing the same thing as what I said above, others may not agree to this but it worked for me, but take your time doing it.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Any tips on removing the drain plugs on a Cobra?

I was able to use brute force to get the port side drain plug out, but the head of the starboard side plug was too stripped so I ended up just removing the drive.
Oh well, only takes 10 minutes, and this way I'll have peace of mind that the bellows are in good shape and that the gimball bearing is greased next season.

You should be removing the drive annualy anyway. Make sure you check gimbal alignment before installing.