Drain ports on block are clogged.

[inside0ut]

I have a 350 block and the bottom drain ports are clogged. I tried sticking a piece of wire up in there to unclog them to no avail. They look like they are threaded on to the block. Before I try and do damage, can I just unscrew them from the block and try and open them up? Is there another solution? I winterized the boat after I took the outdrive off since Im not sure when it will run again. I disconnected all the hoses and poured pink antifreeze down them till it flowed out of everywhere, but im worried since I cant get the drains open that raw water will sit in the block and freeze. This is my first season with a boat, so im trying to avoid as many mistakes as I can!

Thanks!

 

[alldodge]

I have a 350 block and the bottom drain ports are clogged. I tried sticking a piece of wire up in there to unclog them to no avail. They look like they are threaded on to the block. Before I try and do damage, can I just unscrew them from the block and try and open them up? Is there another solution? I winterized the boat after I took the outdrive off since Im not sure when it will run again. I disconnected all the hoses and poured pink antifreeze down them till it flowed out of everywhere, but im worried since I cant get the drains open that raw water will sit in the block and freeze. This is my first season with a boat, so im trying to avoid as many mistakes as I can!

Thanks!

Yes the brass fittings can be unscrewed. They are 1/4 NPT fittings and will take either 1/2 or 9/16 socket or wrench. If all else fails you can use an air hose and blow them clear.

BTW the pink stuff is nice but still chancy, best thing is get all the water out because air doesn't freeze

 

[inside0ut]

Yes the brass fittings can be unscrewed. They are 1/4 NPT fittings and will take either 1/2 or 9/16 socket or wrench. If all else fails you can use an air hose and blow them clear.

BTW the pink stuff is nice but still chancy, best thing is get all the water out because air doesn't freeze

Ok cool. Thank you. Thats why I wanted to open them up. I figured all the water out is the best and I don't want to deal with a cracked block come spring lol.

 

[Bondo]

Ok cool. Thank you. Thats why I wanted to open them up. I figured all the water out is the best and I don't want to deal with a cracked block come spring lol.

Ayuh,.... Whatever ya got screwed into the block for valves, pull 'em, 'n Toss 'em,....

Get 1/4" pipe brass pipe plugs at yer local hardware store, 'n use Them,....

 

[inside0ut]

Pulled the drains and man were they plugged. I was able to get a screwdriver in there and remove all the crud. I pulled them from the block and the manifolds. Feel alot better now that there is no water in there!

 

[achris]

And no pink stuff I hope.

 

[inside0ut]

And no pink stuff I hope.

Pink antifreeze is all out lol.