Cant get stern drive drain plug out!!!

[Stangman-66]

Volvo 3.0HO 150hp, SX Drive, 2001 Glastron. I cant get the drain plug out to change the fluid. The 1/2 inch-ish flat screw type plug is too tight and even my newest flat heat screwdriver wants to strip it. Tried heavy pressure with a wrench turning the driver....the driver pops right out. Any suggestions????? Please help.... Thanks, Scott.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Cant get stern drive drain plug out!!!

Impact screwdriver....the only way.
Smack it with a hammer and the screw breaks loose.

 

[Juniinc]

Re: Cant get stern drive drain plug out!!!

had same problem on my cobra,,,
First I had to lay it flat on the ground.
applied some liquid wrench a few times, tap it lightly.
after it's been soaked for several days, took my Dewalt impact gun.

 

[bomar76]

Re: Cant get stern drive drain plug out!!!

Impact screwdriver....the only way.
Smack it with a hammer and the screw breaks loose.

ditto on that......if you have ever worked on older motorcycles you quickly learn the impact screwdriver can be this world's single most important tool.

 

[thegrizzly1]

Re: Cant get stern drive drain plug out!!!

x3 on the impact screwdriver. Should be able to get them for $20 or less at auto stores or a Harbor Freights type store. Maybe right here on iboats???

If you have already stripped all semblance of slot off the plug, a "good" welder "should" be able to take a common 5/16" or 3/8" hex nut, hold it up to the head of the stripped plug, and weld the stripped plug to the inside of the hex nut. You can then use a regular wrench or socket to remove the plug.

I have been sucessful with this approach in the past. Yes, the plug/screw is stainless steel, but you can get a weld to stick enough to break it free and back it out. Obviously you would need to replace the drain screw and sealing washer.

 

[Stangman-66]

Re: Cant get stern drive drain plug out!!!

Thanks guys. I guess I'll be buyin an impact driver.

 

[mr gibbs2]

Re: Cant get stern drive drain plug out!!!

i have driled a small hole in the pluge and used a easy out with vice grips

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Cant get stern drive drain plug out!!!

Low cost...would work just fine.Maybe pick up an extra wide flat bit for it.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=37530