Lower Unit Drain Plug Question 85HP Force

fishthebay

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 17, 2001
Messages
180
Hello All-<br /><br />I bought a lower unit on e-bay for my 1987 85HP Force outboard. Next to the 3 holes on each side where the lower unit bolts go through to hold the lower unit have 3 drain plugs next to them.<br /><br />This is used for water to ecaspe during running the motor. I have these on my old lower as well.<br /><br />On the new lower unit the 3 drain holes have screws in them. <br /><br />The only thing I can tell from looking at the screws is that they block the holes.<br /><br />My question is - Should I remove the 3 screws in that act as plugs?<br /><br />My old unit has the same hole pattern, but no screws in them.<br /><br />When running on the muffs I do see water draining from these holes on my old lower unit.<br /><br />Any suggestions would be appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks...
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,657
Re: Lower Unit Drain Plug Question 85HP Force

Those holes should be open, to ensure that all the water drains from the leg, to prevent cracking in freezing temps.<br /><br />Did the guy just screw in some sheet metal screws?
 

scotiany

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 3, 2002
Messages
749
Re: Lower Unit Drain Plug Question 85HP Force

Roscoe , I've got a problem with a drain hole on my Chrysler 55 LU. The rear hole is plugged. I tried putting solvent in the LU overnight. I even tried to open it up with a hand drill. Nothing seemed to work . I think I'll just have to remove LU for winter from now on.
 

eurolarva

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 24, 2003
Messages
4,182
Re: Lower Unit Drain Plug Question 85HP Force

Hey scotiany. Did you try using an easy out. Not sure how big the screw is but I have had good luck with them.
 

scotiany

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 3, 2002
Messages
749
Re: Lower Unit Drain Plug Question 85HP Force

Hey eurolarva, no, there's no screw in the hole , just hardened crap. It looks like it drains the water from the exhaust after the eng. is lifted out of the water. I can see why it would get carboned up. I figure it'll be OK 'till winter. BTW , went to autozone today and got 3 ft of 1/4 fuel hose (pump to carb) @97/ft. I don't want to use auto clamps though-gotta get marine type clamps.
 
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