What's the easiest way to remove a stubborn Lower Unit Drain Plug?

ShawnQ

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 13, 2003
Messages
529
My engine has a drain plug that is a little tight. I sprayed some deep creep on it, and plan to let it sit until the morning. Is there anything else I could do that may help break it loose?<br /><br />I need to change the oil before I put it away for the winter.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Shawn
 

Forktail

Ensign
Joined
Feb 11, 2002
Messages
977
Re: What's the easiest way to remove a stubborn Lower Unit Drain Plug?

Try a manual impact driver with the large flat tip insert.
 

ShawnQ

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 13, 2003
Messages
529
Re: What's the easiest way to remove a stubborn Lower Unit Drain Plug?

Forktail,<br /><br />Dont have one of those at home, but I do at work. I will have to wait until tomorrow anyways now, it's dark...<br /><br />Thanks though, that should work!<br /><br />Shawn
 

sloopy

Captain
Joined
Jul 12, 2002
Messages
3,000
Re: What's the easiest way to remove a stubborn Lower Unit Drain Plug?

Put your flat head screw driver in and take a hammer and give it a few good wacks, that should break free any corrosion preventing it from opening.
 

cggcpa1

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Nov 19, 2003
Messages
75
Re: What's the easiest way to remove a stubborn Lower Unit Drain Plug?

GRAB THE FLATHEAD SCREWDRIVER WITH SOME VICE GRIPS FOR EXTRA TORQUE.
 

Knightgang

Lieutenant
Joined
Oct 6, 2003
Messages
1,428
Re: What's the easiest way to remove a stubborn Lower Unit Drain Plug?

I agree with the flat head screwdriver and hammer technique. I had to do mine that way. Anything else would have stripped the slot out and it would have been there forever. <br /><br />Be sure to put it bad using the screwdriver and hammer to tap it closed tight. You want to make sure that it is seated good so that it does not leak or come out.<br /><br />Knightgang
 

Luna Sea

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
May 20, 2002
Messages
1,069
Re: What's the easiest way to remove a stubborn Lower Unit Drain Plug?

I use the hand impact driver as well. I also use it to tighten the screw up when I'm done. I tighten it with a screwdriver first, and then give it just enough of a smack to see the screw move a hair. The o-ring should take the brunt of the force. Paranoid about water getting in there I guess....... :rolleyes:
 

jim dozier

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jan 8, 2003
Messages
1,970
Re: What's the easiest way to remove a stubborn Lower Unit Drain Plug?

Buy the hand impact screwdriver. They are not expensive and are indispensable for removing difficult screws of any type .
 
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