Plastic Drain Plugs

[thunder219]

I have a 07 Mercruiser 4.3 that I finally got out of storage from last year and had some questions. I was putting the five blue plastic plugs in from draining the block and the first one snapped off. I got it out and you can tell its been broke for awhile and I broke the threads from the wingnut looking part. I just put a 1/2 bolt in to start the boat to check everything else out. I called the dealer and asked if they had any and said no but would order them. So one of my questions is does anyone know how much these cost. Dealer said 5 or 6 bucks a piece. Seems high but I have no clue. My second question is, is there something else I can use like stainless bolts or something? Dealer said to replace them every year because they get brittle.
Another question would be the exhaust bellow looks like it slipped a little. I never really looked at it last year because it was new. Its not off of the round part towards the drive but it looks like I can roll it off if I tried. I loosened the hose clamp and tried to slide it back on but it didnt budge so I tighten the clamp back up. I stored it with the drive down and was just wanting to know if I need to take the drive off and use spreaders for the bellow or just keep an eye on it?
My last question is what manual do I need for 06 merc. 4.3? I have #14 and #25 from my old boat which was same engine and drive but was a 1994.
I did try a search but didnt come up with anything for the plugs and nothing specific for a newer drive bellows.
Thanks for any help, Walt

 

[wvit1001]

Re: Plastic Drain Plugs

The NAPA here carries the drain plugs. They don't seem to last long with the heat from the engine. I don't remember them being more than a couple dollars each. Last year I replaced them with brass plugs, it seemed like every year at least one would break when I'd take them out. I wouldn't use stainless, they might rust to the block and break when you try taking them out. I would hate to have to stand on my head trying to get to them with an easy-out.

 

[J JACKSON]

Re: Plastic Drain Plugs

i bought plugs for mine at west marine i think they cost 4 or 5 dollars each

 

[thunder219]

Re: Plastic Drain Plugs

Thanks for the replies. I keep forgetting ibaots sells parts.$2.99 for sierra or mallory plugs and orings.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Plastic Drain Plugs

Ayuh,.....

Take those blue Plastic plugs,+ the black piece they fit into,....
And Toss'em.....

Then you can use plain ole Brass Pipe Plugs....... You'll Never have to replace them again......

 

[superpop]

Re: Plastic Drain Plugs

I actually put in 45 degree elbows and then a 1/2 inch LP/NG gas valve from Home Depot in my Exhaust Manifolds. When I want to drain them I just turn the valve and the water comes out. No more plugs to worry about, cost about 15 dollars for the parts. Works great for draining the manifolds in the winter. And they are all brass.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Plastic Drain Plugs

I actually put in 45 degree elbows and then a 1/2 inch LP/NG gas valve from Home Depot in my Exhaust Manifolds. When I want to drain them I just turn the valve and the water comes out. No more plugs to worry about, cost about 15 dollars for the parts. Works great for draining the manifolds in the winter. And they are all brass.

Ayuh,....

The Problem there is,....
If there's sediment,+ other Crap,... Which there Will Be...
It'll Plug,+ Not Drain Completely.... Which Could lead to a Frozen Block.....
You need to be able to rod out the drains with a screw or nail....