Lower unit oil drain screws - &#%&!

[ChrisAG]

The idiot (I mean, overly enthusiastic) previous owner of my 1998 Evinrude 115 over-torqued the drain screws. I was barely able to get the bottom one off, but not so the top, using the largest-blade screwdriver in my posession.

What else can I try? Cordless drill with screwdriver bit?

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Lower unit oil drain screws - &#%&!

Use this, almost never fails:

 

[Vic.S]

Re: Lower unit oil drain screws - &#%&!

Impact driver

 

[58rude]

Re: Lower unit oil drain screws - &#%&!

Use this, almost never fails:

+3
Gotta have it on these outboards sometimes.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Lower unit oil drain screws - &#%&!

If you don't have an impact driver a small ball peen and a big screw driver will work but the impact is a very handy tool to have.

You need to tap it as you turn and it will eventually come out.

 

[F_R]

Re: Lower unit oil drain screws - &#%&!

An outboard mechanic would be out of business in less than a day if he didn't have one of those hand operated impact drivers. An absolute necessity. It will have those drain screws out in one or two whacks.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Lower unit oil drain screws - &#%&!

And replace with new plug screws when done with new washers.

 

[ChrisAG]

Re: Lower unit oil drain screws - &#%&!

Thanks I'll see if I can get one of those manual impact tools.

 

[soundchaser]

Re: Lower unit oil drain screws - &#%&!

Funny post, Especially since I'm from New Jersey!

 

[8up]

Re: Lower unit oil drain screws - &#%&!

You may also want to try a large square shanked screwdriver with a adjustable wrench on it to help turn it.

 

[ChrisAG]

Re: Lower unit oil drain screws - &#%&!

I checked several hardware stores and none had the impact screwdriver, so I bought a cordless impact driver which happened to be on sale. It did the trick!