Need Help ASAP Broken Drain plug

[Skip1sr]

I was replacing the lower unit fluid in my 92 25hp Johnson. When I was screwing the bottom plug in the magnetic portion of the plug broke off inside the lower unit. Any help? Can i run the motor, is the metal soft enough to break up on its own??? Do i have drop the lower unit???
Thanks
Skip

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Need Help ASAP Broken Drain plug

If it were mine I would empty the oil, filter it, get a new drain screw, then refill. DO NOT run.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Need Help ASAP Broken Drain plug

I would not chance running it with the magnet in there and I doubt it will come out if you drain it. Not a good situation. You might have to take the LU apart to get it out.

 

[guy74]

Re: Need Help ASAP Broken Drain plug

Haven't had that kind of a problem with a lower unit, but I've had good luck flushing things out of gearboxes and oilpans with diesel fuel. I'd try draining the oil back out of the LU then try flushing it with diesel. Also might try reaching in through the drain with a small steel wire, the magnet might stick to it if it hasn't already stuck to the gears or bearings. I'd be really nervous about running it without getting the magnet out. It might not hurt anything, but I'd hate to take that chance.
Sincerly,
Brian

 

[F_R]

Re: Need Help ASAP Broken Drain plug

No way would I run it with that magnet in there. You could wipe out hundreds of dollars worth of gears in a heartbeat. I kind of like the idea of trying to fish it out with a piece of steel wire. Only altrnative is take it apart.

 

[rndn]

Re: Need Help ASAP Broken Drain plug

Get it out with one or all of the above suggestions. Do not run it with the magnet in there.

 

[JB]

Re: Need Help ASAP Broken Drain plug

That magnet is going to stick to anything ferrous. Guess what is ferrous in the foot? Gears.

You will probably have to dismantle the foot to get it out.

I would first try to grab it with an iron or steel probe of some sort. Maybe you could suck it away from the geartrain that way.

Good luck.