lower unit drain plug

[cleve]

i have a 2004 yamaha 60 and can't loosen the plug to drain lower unit. i'm a pretty strong guy and it will not budge. it is a slotted screw for a standard tip screw driver. does anyone have any tips, before i wallow out the slot?

 

[robert graham]

Re: lower unit drain plug

Mine is tight like that also. I take a large gorilla-size slot head screwdriver and file the tip so it will just fit in the slot on the drain plug, tap it in the slot carefully with a small hammer until it's wedged in there tight, then take a crescent wrench on the end of the screwdriver real near the plug, and turn that sucker. Same way to tighten it back but don't put too much muscle on it to strip the threads. Works like a charm! Good Luck!

 

[rodbolt]

Re: lower unit drain plug

yes, the proper tool is called a hand impact driver and is avalible at most any auto parts store.
DO NOT use the driver to reinstall the plug just for removal.

 

[douglloyd]

Re: lower unit drain plug

Get the correct gaskets for the drain plug AT THE DEALER!
Make sure that the old ones are gone from the lower unit and THROW THEM OUT.

 

[sigma]

Re: lower unit drain plug

yes, the proper tool is called a hand impact driver and is avalible at most any auto parts store.
DO NOT use the driver to reinstall the plug just for removal.

+1

Bought one at harbor freight for $5.00 a must have for stuck screws

 

[cleve]

Re: lower unit drain plug

i bought an impact driver at home depot, put it in the screw and hit it twice and the screw loosened right up. it's a pretty handy tool that i did not even know existed. thanks for the help guys.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: lower unit drain plug

Good tips, I may have to get one...

 

[robert graham]

Re: lower unit drain plug

Impact drivers are great tools but be aware that they create a lot of torque and you need to use a bit of care with the hammer...Good Luck!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: lower unit drain plug

An impact driver is all I can use on my PTT screw on a Johnson. Doesn't take much. I've even done it hanging over the back of the boat in the water. Back-up is the pliers on the screw driver trick.

If you are not used to them it takes some figuring to be sure you're going the right way; they can switch directions on you. Do a couple of practice pushes on a flat surface to confirm.

I bought an old Craftsman impact driver at a yard sale and it works great. I bought another non-brand cheapo at a place like Northern Tool (so I can leave one in the boat/car tool box) and it doesn't work at all. I can't see any reason why it won't; just doesn't. W2TW.