Can't find my manifold drain plugs

[swaldrum]

I have a 99 7.4MPI mercruiser with a bravo 3. Winterized myself last year with no problem. This year i can't find the manifold drain plugs??

I had new manifolds and risers installed in august of this year. They are mercruiser factory manifolds. The cooling hoses enter the bottom of the manifolds but i can't find any drain plugs of any color in there??

Anyone have any ideas? For now, i pulled the hoses off the bottom of the manifolds to get as much water out as i could...

scott

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Can't find my manifold drain plugs

The little plastic wing nuts should be on the bottom of the fitting that the hose attaches to. At least that's where they were on my 97 5.7LX EFI Bravo 3.

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: Can't find my manifold drain plugs

pulling the hoses off will drain the manifolds,some manifold brands do not have a drain.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Can't find my manifold drain plugs

Its possible the replacements have brass plugs and are painted black.

 

[swaldrum]

Re: Can't find my manifold drain plugs

thanks guys, i'll have another look with those ideas in mind.

the brass connectors don't have any drain plugs/nuts on them. Also left a VM for the mechanic who put them on.

Scott

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Can't find my manifold drain plugs

Pulling the hoses works as well as anything. 'nutcase

 

[swaldrum]

Re: Can't find my manifold drain plugs

I'm not able to get a piece of wire in there and clean out the dirt very well, so was hoping they had drain plugs. not looking good though. Will try and get the wire up the 90 degree elbow the hose connects to...

scott

 

[Dui]

Re: Can't find my manifold drain plugs

I believe I have the same on my new 08 Q6 Tahoe. I'm thinking either to pull the hose and poke through the 90 elbow or install a new fitting with a drain plug. See the pic attached ...is it the same on yours?

 

[Don S]

Re: Can't find my manifold drain plugs

DUI,
his 99 isn't anywhere near what you have. In 99 there was no such thing as a single point drain system or dry joint exhaust system, along with all the other stuff they have stuck to your engine.

 

[Dui]

Re: Can't find my manifold drain plugs

Don, I understand that but his post indicated he got new manifolds of todays vintage. Changes are good that they are the same as the ones I have. Just trying to help as I have the same issue.

 

[Don S]

Re: Can't find my manifold drain plugs

He mentioned he replaced the manifolds with new Merc manifolds, not converting to Dry Joint type.

Scott
If you pulled the hose off the elbow and water drained out, and you have the engine fairly level, it's drained. If that elbow was to plug up, you would have an overheat. That is the "Water In" port for the cooling water for the manifold and riser in a raw water cooled system. If you are still concerned, you could alway remove the elbow and check the manifold, then get the Merc type elbow with the drain plug in the bottom to replace the plain elbow so it will be easier next year.
Here is a picture of it.

 

[Dui]

Re: Can't find my manifold drain plugs

That should work Don. Is there something similar with an inlet, outlet and a drain port (threaded plug) capability?