Best tool for the job - lower unit bottom plug not stripped but chewed up a little

[gt2003]

I went to change my lower unit lube on Saturday. The vent plug opened up just fine. However, the plug on the bottom is a little chewed up. I don't think it's stripped but I also don't have the right sized flathead screwdriver for the job. Can someone recommend the right tool for the job? I'll get a new plug as well. Thanks

 

[Bayou Dave]

I had the same problem last week. I use a larger screwdriver about 18" long. I clamped vice grips down low and pushed the screwdirve in tight as I turned it with the vice grips. Look for allen wrench style plugs to replace the slotted ones.

 

[dannys2004glastron175mx]

impact driver like this work great http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Impact-Drive...844372?hash=item1c5cabc194:g:ZBgAAOSwIwhWRVPB

 

[Scott Danforth]

the impact driver is the best $30 tool you can own besides a 28 oz ball peen hammer

 

[Bondo]

the impact driver is the best $30 tool you can own besides a 28 oz ball peen hammer

Ayuh,..... Ditto the impact driver,...

 

[thumpar]

The impact driver will come in handy for other things too, especially in a marine environment. NAPA carries the plugs if you need one quick otherwise order from iboats.

 

[Alumarine]

And the proper screwdriver to reinstall them.

 

[gt2003]

I'm new to the impact driver so humor me. When it's set to loosen, does it gradually turn each time it is hit with the hammer?

 

[gt2003]

Ok, just "googled" it. I'll run by autozone or oreillys today. They are only about $12. Sounds like a good investment. Thanks

 

[thumpar]

They loosen about a 1/4 turn with a hit of the hammer. Once it is loose you don't need the hammer anymore. Just turn it out.

 

[Bondo]

I'm new to the impact driver so humor me. When it's set to loosen, does it gradually turn each time it is hit with the hammer?

Ayuh,.... Ya hold the tool in the screw, 'n put pressure against it like yer usin' a screwdriver, 'n then Wack it,....

One wack is usually all it takes, so long as a good fittin' bit is held firmly in-place,....

Get a new gasket with yer new screw/ plug,... with the little magnet,...

 

[Lou C]

Don't know if you can get them for Mercs but the Allen head drain plugs that BRP sells for the outboards and OMC Cobras work great; very easy to remove...

 

[gt2003]

Thanks gentlemen. I'm going to stop by autozone or oreillys this week and pick one up. No reason to hurry. It's pitch black outside when I get home!!!

 

[keith2k455]

I also use a screw driver bit in a 1/4" ratchet.

 

[boatman37]

i had the same problem. i had a piece of steel flatstock laying around that fit perfectly in the slot. i do have an impact driver but forgot. i am going to try to find the allen head screws before i put it back in the water

 

[JustJason]

1 tip. Don't hit the impact driver as hard as you can on the first swing. Just tap it, increasing the amount of power in your swing just enough until you get it to budge.

 

[GasCan II]

boatman, please let us know if you find allen head screws for a mercruiser.
Thanks.

 

[GasCan II]

boatman,please let us know if you find the allen head screws for a mercruiser.
Thanks

 

[gt2003]

Thanks for the Advice! Best $12 I've spent in a while. Plug out, oil draining!

 

[airshot]

I used an old screw driver ( a big one) and hollow ground the blade to fit snug into the slot, ground 2 flats on the shaft for a small wrench now it won't chew up the slot. Those get chewed up due to poor fitting blade of screw driver or to small of a blade.