Help - Drain plug screw

[BTMCB]

Hey guys and gals,

After a quick trip to the lake last night, after retrieval as I was removing the plug I noticed that one of the screws (three in total) that hold the brass plug insert / flange / thingamagig to the transom was missing (see photo). When I got home I thought I would simply replace the screw with some 5200 around it. However, while I can't be certain it appears that the screw did NOT back out but instead it broke apart and just the "head" a few threads are missing. In other words, I could not insert a new screw - it hit something and wouldn't go in. I remove the plug after each trip and reinsert before the next, so this just must have happened. Couple questions: (1) what should I do (2) until I do what I should do, should I be worried about water intrusion? The fitting / flange / thingamagig is not loose, appears to be fully seated and no water came out of the bilge when I took the plug out last night.

Thanks in advance for any help, comments.
Brian

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Help - Drain plug screw

For a thorough repair, remove the two remaining screws and carefully remove the entire fitting. Now, with good access to the broken screw, remove it. If all the screw holes remain usable (even if the messed up one is a little oversized) dry the hole in the transom if necessary, reattach the fitting using 5200 sealant, and use appropriately sized new screws to lightly hold the fitting in place. Once the 5200 has set up in day or two, tighten the screws.

If the any of the screw holes are not usable, you're going to have to seal them up, and then rotate the fitting when you reattach it, thus creating three new holes.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Help - Drain plug screw

For a thorough repair, remove the two remaining screws and carefully remove the entire fitting. Now, with good access to the broken screw, remove it. If all the screw holes remain usable (even if the messed up one is a little oversized) dry the hole in the transom if necessary, reattach the fitting using 5200 sealant, and use appropriately sized new screws to lightly hold the fitting in place. Once the 5200 has set up in day or two, tighten the screws.

If the any of the screw holes are not usable, you're going to have to seal them up, and then rotate the fitting when you reattach it, thus creating three new holes.

Thanks very much Pez Vela for the quick, clear, concise and common sense advice. I was thinking along those lines but the thought of rotating the fitting never occurred to me! Thanks again, Brian

 

[Pez Vela]

Re: Help - Drain plug screw

I've done it that way, so that's how I know. I was over tightening the plug, and over time I managed to loosen the seal and strip out the 3 screw holes. My solution, after the repair was completed, was (and is) to wrap the plug with teflon tape each and every time I put it in so that it snugs up nice and tight without over doing it.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Help - Drain plug screw

........... If the any of the screw holes are not usable, you're going to have to seal them up, and then rotate the fitting when you reattach it, thus creating three new holes.

Unless the broken screw has enough of it sticking out that you can remove it with pliers or visegrips, that's the best plan.

Hint:
You will need to drill clearance holes larger than you would in wood ot the fiberglass/gelcoat will crack. Also, after drilling the holes and before inserting the screws, use a countersink bit to chamfer the gelcoat so it doesn't crack.

Use a marine sealant on the old holes, the screws, and to bed the fitting. Let it cure fully before using it.

Don't tighten the plug too tight in the future, just snug it up with a six inch wrench.

BTW: On a boat with shore power, one of the screws should be a bolt with a bonding wire attached on the inside. If that's the case, be sure and replace it just like it was.

 

[sasto]

Re: Help - Drain plug screw

BTMCB,
Common practice around here... while following Pez Vela's advice...is to remove some of the wood around the hole and fill with an underwater approved putty of your choice. 2 reasons....(1) you can inspect the wood around the around the hole and (2) you may prevent future water intrusion.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Help - Drain plug screw

Thanks to all who have responded. Appreciate the fine advice. FWIW, I didn't think I was over torquing the plug......I usually just hand tightened and then just a 1/4" turn with the wrench. I have my "mobile" tech coming out to take a look and do the necessary. While I am fairly handy, not so sure I want ME drilling holes in the transom fiberglass. Have no hesitation doing it above the waterline but below..........discretion is the better part of valor as the saying goes!

Thanks again guys.