Stripped screw

[gbb]

The upper drain screw( gear oil) to my lower unit is stripped out. What can I do?

[F_R]

The upper drain screw( gear oil) to my lower unit is stripped out. What can I do?

The life blood of the outboard mechanic---Heli-Coil. But I gotta tell you, it has to be straight or it will leak. You might as well get a pro to install it. To do it yourself, you will have to buy the expensive tools. (How the heck did you strip it out anyway? Never mind, just wondering.

[psteurer]

I wonder if he means the head is stripped. It sure would be hard to strip the threads on a drain fill screw. If the head is stripped, the best way to get the screw out is to use an impact screwdriver. I bought an inexpensive one at Harbor Freight and it did the trick.

[gbb]

No, the threads are stripped. I just got the boat and motor late 2007. Last year when I change the gear oil, I notice coiled alum on the threads. I replaced it with a little longer screw and it seemed to tighten. But this year found a little water in the oil.

[kbait]

If that longer screw seems to get a good bite, I'd probably get a new gasket for it, and perhaps add an appropriate sized o-ring. It will seal, and it shouldn't be able to vibrate out if the new plug screw has a good purchase in the hole. I don't know the cost of bringing the LU in to have a heli installed, but above fix would be a time-buyer at least..