vent screw will not open

[levyjo]

Hi folks,
I'm trying to replace the oil on my Alpha 1 drive 1998. I cannot open the vent screw. I tried WD40 but did not work for me.
Can you suggest me a way to force open the screw?

I have a reservoir oil drive on the engine. Is it enough to check that there is oil there if I can't open that screw?

 

[FunInDuhSun]

Re: vent screw will not open

Use an impact driver with the proper-sized bit.
It can be a drill-style or the old whack-it-with-a-hammer type, either one will get the job done.
Once the plug is out, make sure the gasket's there and in good shape.

 

[kneedragger]

Re: vent screw will not open

Use an impact driver with the proper-sized bit.
It can be a drill-style or the old whack-it-with-a-hammer type, either one will get the job done.
Once the plug is out, make sure the gasket's there and in good shape.

Agree, I suggest using the whack-it-with-a-hammer, type, and get the largest straight(screwdriver type) bit you can find for it.

 

[MarkSee]

Re: vent screw will not open

get the largest straight(screwdriver type)

+1 ^^^ I also found that getting a screwdriver with the longest blade that is still thin enough to fit in the slot on the drain/fill screws seems to make loosening and tightening those a bit easier than a smaller screwdriver.
Mark

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: vent screw will not open

+1 the biggest screwdriver that will fit will make a huge difference in leverage getting it out.

 

[levyjo]

Re: vent screw will not open

Thanks everybody. It took a hell of an effort with the air compressor gun to open but it is done.

 

[Don S]

Re: vent screw will not open

Thanks everybody. It took a hell of an effort with the air compressor gun to open but it is done.

A hand operated impact screwdriver with the proper sized bit is how it's done, not air tools. One or two whacks with a hammer and it's loose.

 

[Outsider]

Re: vent screw will not open

I have a long-handled screw driver that works un-failingly, but it's been modified. Most common drivers have a wedge-shaped tip from the edge whereas most screws have straight cut slots. I took the driver to a grinder and slooowwly ground the tip so it had straight sides. I believe it called 'hollow-ground' in the parlance ...

 

[levyjo]

Re: vent screw will not open

I tried the hand operated one but it did not do a thing. I found the perfect bit, exact size of the screw and flat edge, at home depot. Only when I used the air gun at lowest speed and a lot of power pushing it to the screw it moved. Maybe all the beating with the hammer also helped.

 

[littlebookworm]

Re: vent screw will not open

Just don't put that one back if the slot is chewed. They're inexpensive enough to replace if there's any doubt. Be sure you use new O-rings for the two screws. You don't want any water getting in. Hy

 

[achris]

Re: vent screw will not open

Just don't put that one back if the slot is chewed. They're inexpensive enough to replace if there's any doubt. Be sure you use new O-rings for the two screws. You don't want any water getting in. Hy

Good advise... Here's the part number for the screw kit, 10-79953Q04, and it's less than $5...
or from iBoats -> http://www.iboats.com/Drain-Plug-Sierra/dm/*******.616203570--session_id.828507233--view_id.172763

Chris......

 

[Bondo]

Re: vent screw will not open

Ayuh,.... 'n put it back in with a nice Screwdriver, by hand,.... with a new gasket.....

 

[Don S]

Re: vent screw will not open

And make sure ALL of the old gasket is removed. You would be surprised how easy it is to miss half of the old gasket.