Lower Unit Drain Plug

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Lower Unit Drain Plug

I would go as far to say you are not supposed to use perfect seal on the newer style o rings....

 

[skargo]

Re: Lower Unit Drain Plug

Hmmm, what will it harm? I definitely don't want to do anything that could harm my drive.
I put it on the threads, not on the o-ring, just to clarify.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Lower Unit Drain Plug

Hmmm, what will it harm? I definitely don't want to do anything that could harm my drive.
I put it on the threads, not on the o-ring, just to clarify.

No harm done, I thought you meant on the o rings themselves....

 

[skargo]

Re: Lower Unit Drain Plug

No harm done, I thought you meant on the o rings themselves....

Shew, thanks!

 

[danbrob]

Re: Lower Unit Drain Plug

Folks, success!!

I was able to loosen the plug using a punch and hammer on the first try. It looks like the plug had been tighten to the point it pinched the O-Ring. Replaced both the plug and the O-Ring and I am now ready for the water.

Now if we could get some nice weather!!!

Thanks to all who contributed to help me solve my problem. I am very impressed with all the knowledge and experience the various members bring to this forum.

Thanks again,

 

[dontask]

Re: Lower Unit Drain Plug

Ayuh,.... I just read the Whole thread,.....
Your way will either bugger the Screw, or the Housing,.... Period....
We are advising your basic DIYers here at iboats,... Not trained Mechanics like Us....

I too am a lifelong Wrench,.... I've got Tons of them,... Literally...
Impact drivers of All shapes, sizes,+ power.... Air, electric,+ Hand Held.....
For the situation above,... A 3/8" drive Hand Held would be the Most logical Tool to reach for....
It'll remove the plug,..
Without buggering up the Screw,.. Or the Housing...

A hammer,+ punch are at Best,...
An Emergency technique to fall back on in,.. Well,.. An Emergency....

Read the OP last post "removed on the first try". Contrary to your statement "my way will either bugger the screw or the housing". The $3 drain plug needed to be replaced if a proper size screw driver will not remove it. Here's my problem with using the hand held impact drive that Sears sells. Next time you pull a drain plug out look at the total amount of threads that are there, 3 maybe 4?, and that's what is in the very expensive lower unit housing. When you use the Sears type impact loosening tool at least 50% of force is driven inwards on the threads of the housing. The threads are fully engaged all the time while the sealing washer is getting compressed from hammering, think about it. The threads are not what is causing the problem, it is at the head and washer of the drain plug. Why put the threads (what little there is) of the housing through more stress than is needed? How many times have you installed a drain plug and the fit (class fit) is lousy? Could it be from prior banging with a hammer and the great hi tech Sears impact tool? I bet the guy who used the Sears tool wouldn't admit it, or even know he caused it. Its used by many highly trained mechanics on the lower unit drain plug, but it is my last choice. Tap with a punch or bang with the Sears tool, which one uses more technique and less stress to the housing threads? We are both concerned about delivering quality to the customer.
FYI ---one of the mechanic tech schools I graduated from, college level physics classes were mandatory (passing grade). Sound like hillybilly wrenching 101 huh?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Lower Unit Drain Plug

Your method obviously works, but I'd have to say that with the big, fat bit & the big, fat driver handle, 99% of the time I have enough hand strength to remove the screw without ever striking it....
Usually a light tap will loosen a coarse thread....

 

[dontask]

Re: Lower Unit Drain Plug

Your method obviously works, but I'd have to say that with the big, fat bit & the big, fat driver handle, 99% of the time I have enough hand strength to remove the screw without ever striking it....
Usually a light tap will loosen a coarse thread....

This is where we both agree.

 

[Deltaridge]

Re: Lower Unit Drain Plug

I agree...Use a Impact Screwdriver... I had the same problem with my OMC Sea Drive 1.8... It is not a tool that you will use everyday... Save yourself a little money and check your local pawns shops... I saved about $10

 

[cr2k]

Re: Lower Unit Drain Plug

When we talk about rocket scientists we must not forget that the Space Shuttle Columbia was designed, built and inspected by rocket scientists.

A good option is to get a nice big bladed screwdriver that has very short shank but big long handle.
Also with a square shank. Grind, file, chew, what ever to the end to make it as wide and as thick as the slot in the drain plug. firmly grasp the big handle and push it hard in to the plug then use an end wrench or small adjustable to leverage the plug open. Works most of the time.

And I have to say in my 17 years as a marine service tech 90% of the times I have had to resort to an impact driver it was on a Volvo.