OMC stern drive threaded drain plug port side

[mlegrand]

1990 OMC stern drive on Horizon 220 Four Winns, 260hp engine.

I was changing my stern drive oil today and mistakenly removed a screw that was about 3/4 inch diameter from the top, port side of the stern drive. The hole gives access to the water housing around the gears and looks a little like a freeze plug on an engine block.

The screw was threaded, but when I removed it, I could see no threads on the hole leaving me to believe it must have been threaded into a nut on the inside of the housing and the nut is now loose inside - if this is the case.

I was surprised to see that and a little clueless what could be done to fix it. Anyone recognize what this is and how I would now replace it or seal the hole? I have pictures if they help clarify.

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC stern drive threaded drain plug port side

Yea, shouldn't have removed that screw.
It screws into a plate that (and I am assuming here as no one knows for sure) was put in there to stop errosion of the housing from the water flow.
You have to pull the drive, tip it upside down to retrive it and reattach it. Use some 271 Loctite (red hi strength) to the threads so it never comes out again.
The Cobra decal normally covers it so you don't take it off by accident.

 

[mlegrand]

Re: OMC stern drive threaded drain plug port side

Think it would be dangerous to just plug the hole as it is? Would the plate that is inside cause any damage to the water pump?

 

[Don S]

Re: OMC stern drive threaded drain plug port side

What does it say below my signature.

 

[mlegrand]

Re: OMC stern drive threaded drain plug port side

Is pulling the drive a tricky procedure or just pull the nuts on the housing and slip it off and back on? Basically, am I going to have a lot of trouble getting it aligned to put back on? I'm a standard weekend mechanic with reasonably good skills - except when it comes to unscrewing the wrong screw.

 

[mlegrand]

Re: OMC stern drive threaded drain plug port side

Don, thanks for taking the time to answer my post. This is one of the few forums on the web where I always get good advice. Thanks again.