Stuck gearcase vent plug

[jrmiah]

I tried to change the lower unit oil this weekend and a plug is completely stuck, I used a variety of different flatheads but no luck. The plug is getting chipped up from trying, any suggestions? I?m thinking about using an "easy Out" to extract it and replace it with a new one. Any reason that is a bad idea?

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Stuck gearcase vent plug

An Impact wrench would be much better than trying to exactly center and drill a hard stainless plug. Plus if it is really stuck, the EZ out is likely to break off in there anyway. Manual impact wrenches with a screwdriver bit that are used with a hammer a easily available at Sears or maybe Home Depot

 

[ezeke]

Re: Stuck gearcase vent plug

I'm with tx1961whaler on that. A few taps on a hand impact driver will bring that plug out. You don't need much of a slot for it to work because force will be downward and counterclockwise at the same time.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00990131000P?mv=rr

http://www.jcwhitney.com/OTC-1-2-IMPACT-DRIVER-KIT/GP_2010693_N_111+10201+600017382_10101.jcw

 

[F_R]

Re: Stuck gearcase vent plug

Agreed. A hand impact screwdriver is the way to go. It isn't "stuck" anyway, just tight. If it truly is "stuck", you have water in the gearcase and a lot more trouble than just the plug.

If you are going to be doing your own outboard work, that impact screwdriver is a must-have tool, so think of it as a good investment.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Stuck gearcase vent plug

Agreed. A hand impact screwdriver is the way to go. It isn't "stuck" anyway, just tight. If it truly is "stuck", you have water in the gearcase and a lot more trouble than just the plug.

If you are going to be doing your own outboard work, that impact screwdriver is a must-have tool, so think of it as a good investment.

I think so too.
In fact just this afternoon I went out and bought one at Harbor freight for $7.50 including taxes.

 

[HybridMX6]

Re: Stuck gearcase vent plug

I did this yesterday, literally. I was trying to get my oil drain out of a project motor of mine to check the oil, and it wasn't budging, even with the biggest freakin slot head screwdriver I have. Got out the Sear impact driver, and one solid whack with the hammer and it popped loose instantly. It's amazing what little wonders one of these tools can do.
I'd def. agree with the others and get one if you don't already, and give it a try. I got mine at Sears, it has a detachable driver bit top, and is a 1/2" driver. With the bit attachment on it it has 4 different bits that came with it, 3 philips and one slotted. It was $20 I believe about 5 years ago, and well worth it.

 

[jrmiah]

Re: Stuck gearcase vent plug

Thanks all, I will pick one up and give it a try.

 

[ranger4wd]

Re: Stuck gearcase vent plug

i got an impact driver but it is not budging should i get a small torch and heat it up a little to break the bond anyways let me know if this is a no no

 

[HybridMX6]

Re: Stuck gearcase vent plug

Not sure if it's a no-no or not (I am sure someone will chime in on that), but if you do heat it up, make sure you buy new o-rings/seals for those screws before you do it. Otherwise you are gonna toast the ones in there and not have a new one to go in it's place.

 

[workboot]

Re: Stuck gearcase vent plug

are you sure your going the right direction with the impact driver.turn it all the way to the left so there's no play.it should come out.

 

[GlasV162]

Re: Stuck gearcase vent plug

Try this:

Get as big a screwdriver as will fit on the vent plug; one with a square shaft. Then get a long adjustable wrench and put it on the shaft of the screwdriver. While putting pressure on the vent plug with the screwdriver, turn the screwdriver counter-clockwise with the wrench. The length of the wrench should give you enough torque to loosen the drain plug. It's worked for me in the past, and hopefully it will work for you too. Good luck.

 

[iwombat]

Re: Stuck gearcase vent plug

You should ALWAYS be buying new seals anyway.

Not sure if it's a no-no or not (I am sure someone will chime in on that), but if you do heat it up, make sure you buy new o-rings/seals for those screws before you do it. Otherwise you are gonna toast the ones in there and not have a new one to go in it's place.

 

[Evinrookie]

Re: Stuck gearcase vent plug

I hope you've gotten your screw loose but if not I just wanted to suggest something similar to GlasV162 that I have done. Use a pair of vise-grips on a screwdriver handle. Make sure that it's not your favorite screwdriver because the vise-grips will mark it up. Good luck.

 

[asdasc]

Re: Stuck gearcase vent plug

One of the best tools I have is a big 1/2 inch flat blade screwdriver with a 5/8" hex on the knob. If ever I run into a screw that won't budge, just add a socket wrench onto the end of the screwdriver. I don't remember where I got it, but it is a lifesaver. It says it is made by BenchTop in Taiwan. It wasn't that expensive, but still looks like new and held up well to all kinds of abuse.

I just looked online, and it looks like a brand KMart used to sell prior to the Sears takeover. Bummer.

 

[huckelberry]

Re: Stuck gearcase vent plug

If it is a small hp motor that you can remove yourself, take it off the boat and put a block of wood under the foot opposite the vent plug and then use the impact. Those impact drivers seem to need a lot of downward force to work properly. If it is a big motor, you'll have to get inventive to find a way to support the l/u so you can hammer on the impact.

 

[ranger4wd]

Re: Stuck gearcase vent plug

no i have not got it off yet i am going to try to put it on its side and useing the impact. right now its on my stand i built into my workbench