Lower unit drain plug stuck; suggestions?

[DMT78]

I tried to drain the oil in my lower unit yesterday, but to my surprise, after having sat-up for a while, the drain plug would not budge. My motor is an '86 110hp Johnson, I thought someone might have a tip or two that could help.<br />Thanks

 

[Solittle]

Re: Lower unit drain plug stuck; suggestions?

Buy a hand impact driver. It should come with a screwdriver tip. Works for me.

 

[ledgefinder]

Re: Lower unit drain plug stuck; suggestions?

Happens at lot. Hit the area with a propane torch for about 1 minute, then retry. <br /><br />The case is aluminum & the screw is steel. They expand at different rates (aluminum much faster per degree temp rise), so the heat will cause the 'crud bonds' to break.<br /><br />Obviously, you want a good-fitting screwdriver. I use a hammer impact tool sometimes, but I think the heat really does the trick.<br /><br />Use a new gasket on the screw. Some sealant on the threads may keep it from binding up again.

 

[DMT78]

Re: Lower unit drain plug stuck; suggestions?

thanks for the tips, I will give it another go this weekend.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Lower unit drain plug stuck; suggestions?

if your drain plug has an oring buy the plug with a gasket. they dont tend to lock up as bad. the new plugs have a small hex instead of a slot. boys some anga neer really pooched up. another wonderful idea that will bite us techs in the gonads.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[wayne h]

Re: Lower unit drain plug stuck; suggestions?

a hand impact driver is a must for any 1 that messes with outboards they are very cheap and very handy

 

[voodoo]

Re: Lower unit drain plug stuck; suggestions?

for the 3rd time.. hand impact driver will save you hours of grief (I believe it was invented by the same idiot who invented phillips screws)<br />A 4 way lug nut wrench usually has a big slot on it.

 

[skeezx01]

Re: Lower unit drain plug stuck; suggestions?

Oftentimes I have used a sharp strike with a brass punch to loosen stuck fasteners.

 

[BillP]

Re: Lower unit drain plug stuck; suggestions?

ditto...hand held impact driver first and heat if that doesn't work. Be careful with heat. I "puddled" an OMC 15 lower unit with a propane torch trying to remove a drain screw. Aluminum will go from hard to liquid in about one second if you keep the heat on too long.