loose hull plug

[Home Cookin']

I have the basic brass screw-in hull plug. I have tried several plugs and they all are now fitting loosely; I can now hand-screw them in all the way where I used to use a wrench to get them tight at the point where just the square end was outside the hole. Other than replacing the whole hole assembly with a new one--I'd rather not beat up my 22 year old transom--is there a trick for tightening?
I put some pipe dope on the plug (the kind out of the tube) but it didn't work. I'll try plumbers tape next.

thanks

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: loose hull plug

I just hand tighten mine as tight as I can get it and its just fine...doesnt leak and has never backed out on me from vibration....you probably cleaned all the crap out of it when you used to use the wrench.... teflon tape will make you feel better and snug it up .

 

[PuddleJumper]

Re: loose hull plug

Yours sounds like a standard garboard drain. I would suggest replacing the whole thing. They are not very expensive and are attached to the boat by only 3 screws. I replaced mine in about 10 minutes.(old one was stripped)
Cheap for the peace of mind IMO

 

[rndn]

Re: loose hull plug

Yours sounds like a standard garboard drain. I would suggest replacing the whole thing. They are not very expensive and are attached to the boat by only 3 screws. I replaced mine in about 10 minutes.(old one was stripped)
Cheap for the peace of mind IMO

Sounds like the way to go.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: loose hull plug

If you use the 3M 4200 fast cure, you shouldn't have to crank it so hard to keep it from leaking, Let it cure fully and you'll be ok.
http://multimedia.mmm.com/mws/mediawebserver.dyn?6666660Zjcf6lVs6EVs66SY6HCOrrrrQ-

 

[wmartinfsu21]

Re: loose hull plug

Yours sounds like a standard garboard drain. I would suggest replacing the whole thing. They are not very expensive and are attached to the boat by only 3 screws. I replaced mine in about 10 minutes.(old one was stripped)
Cheap for the peace of mind IMO

Thats exactly what i would do. No need to cut corners when its an easy fix.

Better safe than sorry!!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: loose hull plug

replacing the drain is probably the best option; sometimes this boat is moored for a couple of weeks.
I'm not sure I understand the suggestion to seal the plug with 4200 since this is the plug I remove whenever the boat is on the trailer. I need for it to be functional. I thought about putting a small amount of sealant just in the threads except the outer 1/2 " as a stop.

Speaking of teflon tape, don't use it on your fuel filter fittings; gas will eat it and carry it to the jets!

My only hestitation about replacing the whole drain is I don't know how it's sealed into the transom--it's original--and I have learned that any project that ought to take 20 minutes is guaranteed to be a half a day!

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: loose hull plug

replacing the drain is probably the best option; sometimes this boat is moored for a couple of weeks.
I'm not sure I understand the suggestion to seal the plug with 4200 since this is the plug I remove whenever the boat is on the trailer. I need for it to be functional. I thought about putting a small amount of sealant just in the threads except the outer 1/2 " as a stop.

Speaking of teflon tape, don't use it on your fuel filter fittings; gas will eat it and carry it to the jets!

My only hestitation about replacing the whole drain is I don't know how it's sealed into the transom--it's original--and I have learned that any project that ought to take 20 minutes is guaranteed to be a half a day!

I must have read it too fast, I thought your plug (garboard) was leaking, usually you unscrew the 3 screws and pull the garboard and clean it all good then reseal it with 3M 4200. I just read it too fast. Sorry

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: loose hull plug

I've got the same condition with my brass plug, I keep a roll of teflon tape in glovebox, I was thinking of picking up either a PVC or nylon pipe plug and try it.

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: loose hull plug

You guys aught to just by a new one and be done with it, they're cheap and no more FN with it, no more worries. Your done!!
http://www.iboats.com/Boat_Parts_Ac...-**********.399781013--submit.x.6--submit.y.8