Can't budge sterndrive drain plug

[swcolorado]

Anyone have any great ideas for removing a stuck drain plug for the sterndrive gear oil? It takes a large flat blade screwdriver but I cannot get it to move. I've sprayed it with WD-40 for the last 3 days.
I'm thinking about taking a little heat to it but I would prefer not to damage the rest of the housing.

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Can't budge sterndrive drain plug

....hold that screwdriver at an angle to the ccw rotation of the screw...give it a solid wrap (the screwdriver) with a hammer to shock the drain plug loose. Use a hand-held impact if available.

FWIW...Ed in 'ol Virginny

 

[Fun Times]

Re: Can't budge sterndrive drain plug

You need one of these. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93481

 

[tractoman]

Re: Can't budge sterndrive drain plug

Mine was very tight also. I have a large screwdriver that has flat spots near the handle that I could get a wrench on and while jamming the screwdriver blade into the drain plug slot, turned it with a wrench to break it loose. I hope this makes sense. Not very scientific but it worked.

 

[swcolorado]

Re: Can't budge sterndrive drain plug

That makes sense. I tried it with a pair of channel loks on the screwdriver. I just can't get it to move. The screw is starting to get stripped. In other words, it's getting worn where the screwdriver sits against. I'll have to see if I can hunt down my impact driver. I used to have one. I can't believe how stuck this thing is!

 

[swcolorado]

Re: Can't budge sterndrive drain plug

Finally got it.
The Channellocks on the end of the screwdriver while pushing the screwdriver into the slot as hard as I could with my leg finally got it to break loose.
Thanks for the help everyone! Now I need to buy a new plug....

 

[JustJason]

Re: Can't budge sterndrive drain plug

as BT meantioned, a screwdriver is not the correct tool for seating and unseating that plug. I have the KD version of the tool but it's very close to this;

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947641000P

If they have spare bits make sure you grab a few while your there.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Can't budge sterndrive drain plug

Do yourself a huge favor and replace those slotted head plugs with allen heads, they have them available at the Iboats store.

 

[Lodgepole]

Re: Can't budge sterndrive drain plug

You have to stay at it to get one of those plugs out sometimes. A while back I tried to get a water drain plug out of a Cobra drive. WD40 didn't penetrate past the O-ring. I used an impact tool with a hammer. Beat on it about 30 mi. while holding the bit against the slot in ccw rotation position. It began to move slightly after about 15 min beating. Had to beat it through at least 2 1/2 revolutions before it turned loose. The allen head plugs sound like a good deal.

 

[gordo50]

Re: Can't budge sterndrive drain plug

Mine was very tight also. I have a large screwdriver that has flat spots near the handle that I could get a wrench on and while jamming the screwdriver blade into the drain plug slot, turned it with a wrench to break it loose. I hope this makes sense. Not very scientific but it worked.

Worked for me also

 

[skargo]

Re: Can't budge sterndrive drain plug

Do yourself a huge favor and replace those slotted head plugs with allen heads, they have them available at the Iboats store.

Thanks for the tip, I had no idea they made those.


I find for stuck screws, sometimes if you tighten it, that is turn it clockwise slightly, it breaks it loose and then you can loosen it.