Can't find post about something dropping inside I/O after plug removal.

[loadnet]

This is a Cobra I/O 351 Ford application:<br /><br />After searching the I/O forum I can't find the post about something dropping inside the outdrive when a certain plug was removed?<br /><br />I'm trying to remember if that post pertained to an OMC Cobra or Mercruiser outdrive?<br /><br />Does anyone know where that post can be found so I can refresh brain?<br /><br />Friend of mine has an OMC Cobra.<br />Removed a plug to drain his outdrive for the winter and can't get the plug to go back in.<br /><br />He says the plug is very short threaded and the housing is very thin so he doesn't think it screwed into the housing itself. <br /><br />He thinks it must have screwed into something INSIDE the housing.<br /><br />Sounds like he removed the wrong plug?<br /><br />Location was Port Side / top plug of 3 that he took out..

 

[CCrew]

Re: Can't find post about something dropping inside I/O after plug removal.

If it's a Cobra outdrive he's referring to the large screw in the top housing that would normally be behind the Cobra medallion on the port side. There's a flat steel plate that is the nut for that screw.. It drops into the housing if you unscrew it. A few have sucessfully been able to retrieve it, but most have to pull the drive, and frequently split upper and lower. <br /><br />Hope that helps!<br /><br />-Roger

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Can't find post about something dropping inside I/O after plug removal.

I think the post you were referring to was back on Nov 09/02 by Lark40, this screw (no one seems to know it's real purpose) was originally covered with an OMC emblem or badge which over the years fell off to reveal the screw. If you have taken it off by mistake I think you have to remove the drive to get a hold of the thin retaining plate that has slipped down. Good Luck!<br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=24;t=000995

 

[loadnet]

Re: Can't find post about something dropping inside I/O after plug removal.

Thanks for that info you guys.<br /><br />That did the trick for sure.<br />I thought it was an OMC posting but wasn't sure.<br /><br />Rippng the unit off tomorrow to hopefully find the little part that fell down inside.<br /><br />They DO make a replacement part for that now to the tune of around $40 bucks.<br /><br />My friend bought the part yesterday so we'll put it in tomorrow.<br /><br />Thanks again.

 

[loadnet]

Re: Can't find post about something dropping inside I/O after plug removal.

All set..<br /><br />Ripped the outdrive off and found the lost piece of square threaded metal inside the water jacket.<br /><br />They DO sell a replacement part now. $40 bucks.<br /><br />Thanks for the input!

 

[scamper]

Re: Can't find post about something dropping inside I/O after plug removal.

I just love it when something works out.

 

[andrewgroup]

Re: Can't find post about something dropping inside I/O after plug removal.

My Manufacturing Engineer buddy suspects these holes where used to hold the casings during the machining process. The internal plate is simpler that threading the holes, that would have required more JIG work. Makes sense to me, But it reminds me of the sticker he applied to LASER equipped machine he made. The warning label reads "Do not look into laser with remaining good eye." Seems a simple "DO NOT REMOVE warning stamped into casing would have saved lot's of curse words."

 

[Jerry San Diego]

Re: Can't find post about something dropping inside I/O after plug removal.

I did have the same problem. I also removed the plug under the emblem. I However was able to retrieve the backing plate (fished it out)and was able to successfully reinstall the plug (screw). I took the plate after retrieving it and tied dental floss around both sided of it the dropped it in the hole and pulled it tight to the front of the hole. I was then able to reinsert the scre (plug). I think I put a post on this site regragin that at the time

 

[Lark40]

Re: Can't find post about something dropping inside I/O after plug removal.

Jerry,<br /><br />I had read your previous post with a reaction of wonder and disbelief.<br /><br />Since the backing plate is larger than the screw, how could you pull it through the screw hole? Sounds like a magic trick....<br /><br />If you can explain that, it may save some other guys a hassle in the future.

 

[Jerry San Diego]

Re: Can't find post about something dropping inside I/O after plug removal.

Lark-<br />I was able to fish my backing plate out with a piece of stiff wire. I got it up to the hole where the plug is then turned it on the end and brought it out end wise, mine fit thru the hole that way. Then put the plate back in using the dental floss routine. Mabye I was just lucky, but it worked for me.<br />Jerry