CTFishTalk.com: The drain plugs from hell... - Connecticut Boat Repair, Electronics, and Motor Help ( CT Boat Repair, Electronics, and Motor Help ) - A Community Built for Connecticut Fisherman.

SAP284 · Joined: 07 Jun 2011 Posts: 655 Location: Central, CT

So, was looking for some help/advice. Yesterday I winterized my boat, got everything done EXCEPT the lower unit oil. When I went to do it, I couldn't get either of the drain screws off. I used the big type flat head screwdriver and tried removing them and no luck. It's getting to the point where they are starting to strip. Anyone have any suggestions on how I can get these out? I did order some new ones and they are on their way. Once I can get these out I'll replace them but I'm seriously having a tough ass time trying to get them out...
_________________
Steve

PECo · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 5203 Location: Avon, CT

Have you tried soaking them in penetrating oil or WD40?
_________________
Don't forget to wear sunscreen and don't litter!

SAP284 · Joined: 07 Jun 2011 Posts: 655 Location: Central, CT

I tried WD-40 but that didn't work. I was thinking of trying penetrating oil or something similar. That's my next try tomorrow morning. I'm hoping I can get them out without having to drill them out or using a tool like that. Any recommendations on a good penetrating or special oil that might loosen them?
_________________
Steve

NWDarkcloud · Joined: 23 Apr 2012 Posts: 474

if your replaceing the plugs anyway..drill a small hole in the center of plug and insert a easy out into it and take it out with a sockect wrench at least that way you wount murphy the theads in the lower unit.... if your have a magor problem with it let me know we can have ya bring it here to my shop i got the tools handy
_________________
I Love to fish......Not a big fan of sitting in the boat alone ....the Conversation and the company make it perfect

fishfinder · Joined: 19 Jun 2011 Posts: 1672 Location: Naugatuck, Ct.

Not sure if its safe to heat around the nuts but doing that would expand it making the bolt or nut not so tight and the easy out is also the way to go!
_________________
There's a fine line between fishing....

and standing on the shore like an idiot!

JimiChanga · Joined: 04 Mar 2012 Posts: 195 Location: Meriden

Try using "PB Blaster" penetrating oil, best stuff out there.

Now without actually seeing them I have a question...

The drain plug has a flat head screwdriver head?

I used to work on older Honda motorcycles & they would have drain plugs & other bolts with a philips head which would require using an "impact driver" to loosen them.

(It is a spring loaded tool with interchangeable bits that you use a hammer to hit the tool and it loosens the bolts.)
About $10-$20 at Harbor Freight Tools, you DON'T NEED a $$$$ Snap-On version either.

If that's the case, you WILL need to use one to get those out.

.

JC

SAP284 · Joined: 07 Jun 2011 Posts: 655 Location: Central, CT

Thanks all. It is a flat head screw. I've heard about impact drivers my dad was telling me that might be ideal. What I'm going to do is try some of that PB oil, and also an impact driver. If its a no go then I might need your assistance Bob. I'll report back after the weekend, I hope it works.

Appreciate everyone's help!
_________________
Steve

fishfinder · Joined: 19 Jun 2011 Posts: 1672 Location: Naugatuck, Ct.

He's absolutely right about the pub blaster! If there is a Nutty Company near I know they sell that stuff.
_________________
There's a fine line between fishing....

and standing on the shore like an idiot!

NWDarkcloud · Joined: 23 Apr 2012 Posts: 474

I got PB blaster here its great stuff .....the impact might work but go gingerly the lower units cast metal and thin wall at that, might not take to much tapping. If by chance you do muff the treads up dont loose heart theres several way to fix it..... Thumbs Up

_________________
I Love to fish......Not a big fan of sitting in the boat alone ....the Conversation and the company make it perfect

NWDarkcloud · Joined: 23 Apr 2012 Posts: 474

Any luck?
_________________
I Love to fish......Not a big fan of sitting in the boat alone ....the Conversation and the company make it perfect

SAP284 · Joined: 07 Jun 2011 Posts: 655 Location: Central, CT

Yes! I just finished cleaning up and getting everything squared away. So yesterday I took a trip to pep boys and grabbed some PB Blaster, and Sears to grab a impact driver...it was about $17.

This morning I sprayed the two screws, waited 10 minutes and used the impact driver by banging it with a hammer and they came out! I drained the lower unit oil, replaced it, and just in time the mailman came and delivered my new screws. Luckily these new ones are hex screws (I like these better).

Thanks so much for your help Bob and JC. I am truly impressed on that PB stuff. I used it today on my car to get some rusted out nuts off and it works wonders, seriously.
_________________
Steve

PECo · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 5203 Location: Avon, CT

SAP284 · Joined: 07 Jun 2011 Posts: 655 Location: Central, CT

_________________
Steve