LU Drain/Fill plugs stuck

[alanfox55]

1993 Johnson 70hp with low hours has sat untouched for 20 years. I bought it and a never used Scout boat model 153 sport 2 cheap. When I tried to take out the LU drain and fill plugs to change the oil they wouldn't budge. Granted my screw driver nor flat head bits aren't quite wide enough but I did use a 1200 ft lb impact wrench on them with no success. The LU is very clean with no visible rust anywhere. I tried penetrating oil...nothing. Have any idea as to why they are stuck and how to free them? Thanks.

 

[bspeth]

Impact screwdriver.Get the right size,its not going to be any easier with the screw stripped out.

 

[AlTn]

what's left of the slot in the fill and drain plugs?

 

[racerone]

There is a seal on the plug.----------Penetrating oil does not help in this situation !

 

[F_R]

No Title

They aren't stuck. Just tight. A hand impact screwdriver will take them out with one or two whacks. An outboard mechanics #1 must-have tool. OR, if they truly are "stuck" it is because there is water in the gearcase and you have way more problems than just the plugs.

 

[alanfox55]

what's left of the slot in the fill and drain plugs?

They're both good I'm not going to push it until I at least have the right size bit.

 

[alanfox55]

There is a seal on the plug.----------Penetrating oil does not help in this situation !

Lol yep I knew that just didn't think about it at the time.

 

[oldboat1]

Need the big dog screwdriver and a vise grip. Clamp the vise grip down close to the blade. Put some serious downward pressure on the screwdriver, and twist the screw counterclockwise with the vise grip for leverage. That's when you don't have the air compressor all up and ready, as I usually don't.

 

[alanfox55]

They aren't stuck. Just tight. A hand impact screwdriver will take them out with one or two whacks. An outboard mechanics #1 must-have tool. OR, if they truly are "stuck" it is because there is water in the gearcase and you have way more problems than just the plugs.

Dam,dam dam I sure hope it's not from water. I really didn't put as much into getting it out as I could have. I have only done three before this one and none of them took a great amount of effort to get them out. I just didn't want to push it until I could get some experienced opinions on how to proceed. Thanks all for your help.

 

[boobie]

I've never seen a drain plug screw on an outboard I couldn't get out with an impact driver and the correct bit.

 

[60sboater]

Usually just the correct size screw driver does it. Good luck and hope the LU isn't history.

 

[alanfox55]

Success! Ordered a 1/2 in drive impact wrench so the bits would be big. Got it two days later along with a bit that fit perfect. The top plug came out with a few wacks but the lower took a little more effort. I can happily report that there was no rust and the slots are in good shape. Sorry I forgot to take any pics but thanks all for your help. Now go check out my new thread with videos of the motor starting and running after 20 years. I need a few questions answered so please watch and help. Thanks again.