Removing Oil Drain Plug on VP 4.3SX

[zcrc01]

What is the secret to removing the oil drain plug from this outdrive? I've used the largest flat screwdriver I own but it won't budge. The screwdriver isn't as big as the notch (2/16" less)but should be enough to remove the plug. Is there a special tool needed or some trick to it?

 

[J.J.W]

Re: Removing Oil Drain Plug on VP 4.3SX

If they are really stuck, sometimes you have to use an impact driver like:<br />www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=90881<br />Good Luck,<br />Justin<br />justin@sterndrive.cc<br />www.sterndrive.cc

 

[KM2]

Re: Removing Oil Drain Plug on VP 4.3SX

I should get one of those impact drivers. <br /> On my Volvo SX I couldn't get the screw loose until I whacked the screw driver a few times with the hammer. PITA isn't it.

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Removing Oil Drain Plug on VP 4.3SX

zcrc1 Get the largest blade screwdriver that you can find at Walmart and file or bench grind the tip to get into the thicker part of the blade, do a little bit at a time and check for fit, I did this many years ago, I just use that screwdriver for my drain plugs on the merc outdrive, I havn't had a problem removing them ever since. Oh ya I think I spent about $5 for that screwdriver so you don't have to buy a real good one like Craftsman or Snap-on.

 

[Lark40]

Re: Removing Oil Drain Plug on VP 4.3SX

Northern Eclipse nailed it. Biggest screwdriver you can find and grind the blade wider to fit your screw.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Removing Oil Drain Plug on VP 4.3SX

Here's what worked for me. 3/8" craftsman screwdriver, put it in the screw and gave the head of the screwdriver a couple taps to seat it, then grabbed the screwdriver with channel lock pliers and while pusing down on the head of the screwdriver I turned it with the pliers. My middle fill hole on a cobra was really stuck, this got it loose.

 

[outboardguy]

Re: Removing Oil Drain Plug on VP 4.3SX

I bought a 3/8 screwdriver from home depot(husky brand) that was 16 inches long.I then put the shank in the vice and beat off the handle.I then cut the shank so that when put back in the handle it would protrude only 2 inches.Now I've got the screwdriver for the job as well as the rest of the shank for a punch.The crescent wrench on the screwdriver generally helps quite a bit.<br /><br />If you go the impact driver way,you can buy one at sears for $20.the only problem with sears is that the tips are junk and you will twist the head in no time.I bought a snap on flathead tip and after years and hundreds of drives it hasn't twisted yet.