1993 Chaparral Signature, twin 4.3 Volvo duoprops. I've winterized it myself
for several years without problems except for one. The location of the plugs in
the engine blocks (not too bad but still a pain to remove as I get older), but
more than that, the brass plugs in the back of the exhaust manifolds! Those
things are always a bear to remove. I've heard that Merc now uses plastic plugs
instead of the brass. Sounds like that might be easier. Also, there's very
little room back there and they are always in real tight. There's no good way
to get leverage on the wrench and everything's in the way. I eventually get all
4 of them out (2 engines), but it's an hour job and I'm beat when I'm done.

Any ideas on how to make this easier? I thought about a plug with a nipple for
a hose or something but there's not nearly enough room. I can't even use a
socket on those plugs, only a closed end wrench will fit. I suspect I'm
probably re-inserting them way too tight for the application. Also, is there a
'better' type of grease to use to make removal easier that works with brass and
steel?

I know it's a once a year job, but I really don't look forward to it.

I saw a winterizing kit on the internet that includes a manifold of shutoffs
and special plugs but the price was ridiculous and it was only for Mercs.

Thanks for any feedback,

The human pretzel