Mercruiser Oil Drain Plug Siezed
 

I'm finally getting my 1987 Wellcraft 190 Classic ready after sitting
in my backyard for the last 7 years. After ripping out the rotted
floor and replacing a few rotted stingers, I'm finally at the point
when I ready to do the "normal" maintainence items.

Everything was going well until I tried to drain the outdrive so I can
replace the gear oil. Well would'nt you know the plug will not come
out! I sprayed the plug everyday for a week with penatrating oil to
loosen it. I used the biggest Craftsman screwdriver I could buy and
even using a wrench on the screwdriver with two people, I can't get
this plug out!

At this point, I'm afraid of deforming head to the point where I'll
never get it out. What's next, drilling a hole into the plug and use
an "easy-out" to extract it?

I'd appreciate hearing if anyone else has had a similar problem and how
they got it out.
Joe

In article .com,
says...
I'm finally getting my 1987 Wellcraft 190 Classic ready after sitting
in my backyard for the last 7 years. After ripping out the rotted
floor and replacing a few rotted stingers, I'm finally at the point
when I ready to do the "normal" maintainence items.

Everything was going well until I tried to drain the outdrive so I can
replace the gear oil. Well would'nt you know the plug will not come
out! I sprayed the plug everyday for a week with penatrating oil to
loosen it. I used the biggest Craftsman screwdriver I could buy and
even using a wrench on the screwdriver with two people, I can't get
this plug out!

At this point, I'm afraid of deforming head to the point where I'll
never get it out. What's next, drilling a hole into the plug and use
an "easy-out" to extract it?

I'd appreciate hearing if anyone else has had a similar problem and how
they got it out.
Joe


It's probably not the solution but the last time I had a similar problem
it got solved when I realized that since I was working upside down on
the bolt I had been trying to turn it in the wrong direction.
--
Mike G.
Heirloom Woods

www.heirloom-woods.net

"jmal" wrote in message
oups.com...
I'm finally getting my 1987 Wellcraft 190 Classic ready after sitting
in my backyard for the last 7 years. After ripping out the rotted
floor and replacing a few rotted stingers, I'm finally at the point
when I ready to do the "normal" maintainence items.

Everything was going well until I tried to drain the outdrive so I can
replace the gear oil. Well would'nt you know the plug will not come
out! I sprayed the plug everyday for a week with penatrating oil to
loosen it. I used the biggest Craftsman screwdriver I could buy and
even using a wrench on the screwdriver with two people, I can't get
this plug out!

At this point, I'm afraid of deforming head to the point where I'll
never get it out. What's next, drilling a hole into the plug and use
an "easy-out" to extract it?

I'd appreciate hearing if anyone else has had a similar problem and how
they got it out.
Joe

Heat will help, but be careful. You don't want to burn up any seals and
such.

After heating, an impact driver would be the best tool.

If that fails...get out the drill.

Good luck.

--
-Netsock

"It's just about going fast...that's all..."
http://home.columbus.rr.com/ckg/

On 7 Jun 2005 11:08:51 -0700, "jmal" wrote:

I'm finally getting my 1987 Wellcraft 190 Classic ready after sitting
in my backyard for the last 7 years. After ripping out the rotted
floor and replacing a few rotted stingers, I'm finally at the point
when I ready to do the "normal" maintainence items.

Everything was going well until I tried to drain the outdrive so I can
replace the gear oil. Well would'nt you know the plug will not come
out! I sprayed the plug everyday for a week with penatrating oil to
loosen it. I used the biggest Craftsman screwdriver I could buy and
even using a wrench on the screwdriver with two people, I can't get
this plug out!

At this point, I'm afraid of deforming head to the point where I'll
never get it out. What's next, drilling a hole into the plug and use
an "easy-out" to extract it?

I'd appreciate hearing if anyone else has had a similar problem and how
they got it out.
Joe

I've used one of these several times for that kind of problem:

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...=00 947641000


--
John H

"All decisions are the result of binary thinking."

John H wrote:

On 7 Jun 2005 11:08:51 -0700, "jmal" wrote:


I'm finally getting my 1987 Wellcraft 190 Classic ready after sitting
in my backyard for the last 7 years. After ripping out the rotted
floor and replacing a few rotted stingers, I'm finally at the point
when I ready to do the "normal" maintainence items.



I've used one of these several times for that kind of problem:

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...=00 947641000



That is the tool that always works for me - I'm still using the one I
got from JC Whitney 25+ years ago.

Rob

Thanks for the great ideas. It looks like I'm running to Sears tonight
for an impact driver.
Joe

On 7 Jun 2005 14:24:53 -0700, "jmal" wrote:

Thanks for the great ideas. It looks like I'm running to Sears tonight
for an impact driver.
Joe

Just don't hit it as hard as you can when you first start. You're liable to bust
something. A few gentle taps first, then a little harder.
--
John H

"All decisions are the result of binary thinking."

Success!!!! After it a little heat and the impact driver, I was
finally able to remove the plug. Even with all of that, it was still
tough getting it out! The impact driver did a number on the slot, to
the point where it was leaving a "bow tie" shape in the plug. After it
turn about 1/2 a thread, I was able to get it out with a ratchet with a
screw driver attachment.

Unfortunately, I found what little gear oil that was left was tan, so
there most have been some water in with the oil.

On 13 Jun 2005 09:20:58 -0700, "jmal" wrote:


Success!!!! After it a little heat and the impact driver, I was
finally able to remove the plug. Even with all of that, it was still
tough getting it out! The impact driver did a number on the slot, to
the point where it was leaving a "bow tie" shape in the plug. After it
turn about 1/2 a thread, I was able to get it out with a ratchet with a
screw driver attachment.

Unfortunately, I found what little gear oil that was left was tan, so
there most have been some water in with the oil.

Glad to hear the impact driver helped. It may do a job on the head, but it's
better than trying an ez out and having *it* break off in the head. Good luck on
the rest of the problems!
--
John H

"All decisions are the result of binary thinking."