exhaust drain plugs

[Jcris]

Went to winterize this past weekend and found that the drain plugs were both a steel bolt with some sort of o-ring washer. They weren't leaking but I'm thinking a brass plug would be better. What size are those threads? Is that o-ring seal really needed or would some sealant like plumbers pipe sealant work on a brass plug?
Just saw a place online that offers a brass drain plug kit that includes the elbow that threads into the manifold. The current elbows are steel. Seems like a good way to go?

 

[Scott Danforth]

some are pipe threads, others are 1/2-13 with an o-ring.

nothing wrong if the bolt is stainless

 

[alldodge]

If its straight into the brass bushing or the block it should be 1/8 NPT

 

[isaacs]

Couldn't you just use the blue plastic plugs with O rings that are standard on the newer boats? 1/8" NPT I believe, easy to remove with just your fingers.

 

[Jcris]

Yes I could use the plastic plugs and that's what I'll probably do, at least until I get the parts for a permanent solution The block drains are 1/8" brass plugs that have a brass adapter/reducer in the block. That adapter makes removal of the plug easy as it's brass on brass which doesn't corrode. That is a great long term set-up. The exhaust drain is at the bottom "T" fitting used to drain the exhaust as well as a connection for a cooling water hose. I very typical set-up I'd imagine. I'm going to order some brass fittings for that as seen in this pic

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... The drains in the elbow pictured are 1/2- 13, not pipe thread,.....

Yer metal plugs if ssteel, are the best thing goin',....
The plastic ones get brittle in a couple seasons, 'n break,...