Block Drains

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dkellogg3

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 16, 2006
Messages
118
So... sometime along the life of the boat before I acquired her in 2006 someone put bushings into the block drains with 1/8" plugs. They did a good job - used red loctite and all. Water drains just fine our of the minute openings now, but I'm a bit concerned that as the boat ages, the rust and crud will build up to the point that the water may not pass so freely.

Thinking on it it seems like there is a bit of logic to it - those plugs are removed at least yearly. Doing so has the potential for crossing threads (I guess maybe not too much of a problem with brass plugs, but ???), or some other sort of damage to the threads in the block. Having the bushings in there protects the factory threads

My question is whether I should take them out and get the proper plugs, or "if it ain't broke don't fix it".

FYI
1994 Bayliner Capri 2050 LS
4.3 LX Mercruiser OF281911

Thanks,
Don
 
D

dan t.

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 28, 2008
Messages
1,131
Re: Block Drains

Sounds like a good set to to me, leave it alone.
 
series60

series60

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 4, 2010
Messages
420
Re: Block Drains

dkellogg3 said:
My question is whether I should take them out and get the proper plugs, or "if it ain't broke don't fix it".


Thanks,
Don
Click to expand...

Leave them where they are and, to set your mind at ease, probe the opening in the drain with a small wire or pick to keep the drain open as you drain the water. My 1984 305sbc with 880 hours gets its orifices probed every year and by personal preference I have just brass plugs in all the drains so I remove them, clean the plug if needed, add a little anti-seize and reinstall after everything has had time to drain. I can access all the drains fairly easy. Also drain all the hoses during winterization, change the oil/filter, drain and refill outdrive, but that's just me. I'm retired and have the time to care for the ole' girl.
 
U

Utahboatnut

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 15, 2009
Messages
785
Re: Block Drains

As stated just make sure and probe the hole out well with a stiff wire. Mine had the brass plugs when I first got it and i didnt really care for them(no bushings though) so I picked up a set of the blue factory nylon plugs with a wing on them for removal/install. I love them and wouldnt have anything else. In your case with the loctite on the bushings it may be difficult to remove them without a problem. If they would come out the factory plugs are nice and easy to work with plus no worry of cross threading the block threads.
 
Bondo

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,958
Re: Block Drains

dkellogg3 said:
So... sometime along the life of the boat before I acquired her in 2006 someone put bushings into the block drains with 1/8" plugs. They did a good job - used red loctite and all. Water drains just fine our of the minute openings now, but I'm a bit concerned that as the boat ages, the rust and crud will build up to the point that the water may not pass so freely.

Thinking on it it seems like there is a bit of logic to it - those plugs are removed at least yearly. Doing so has the potential for crossing threads (I guess maybe not too much of a problem with brass plugs, but ???), or some other sort of damage to the threads in the block. Having the bushings in there protects the factory threads

My question is whether I should take them out and get the proper plugs, or "if it ain't broke don't fix it".

FYI
1994 Bayliner Capri 2050 LS
4.3 LX Mercruiser OF281911

Thanks,
Don
Click to expand...

Ayuh,... I'd pull the plugs, 'n the bushings, 'n go to plain ole 1/4" brass pipe plugs, myself...
 
A

airshot

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
5,084
Re: Block Drains

If the red loctite gives you a problem, use a small propane torch, with "great care" of course and the plugs should unscrew. High heat causes the loctite to fail and should come out without much difficulty. Consider Bond-o's advise, he is one smart cookie.................

Airshot
 
D

dkellogg3

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 16, 2006
Messages
118
Re: Block Drains

...and here i was thinking this thread was put to bed last night. Thanks for the input guys. I'll probably heed Bondo's advice and swap them out in the spring.

RE: nylon wing plugs... any problems with leaking? I changed one of the hoses out to one eith a similar plug
 
Bondo

Bondo

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Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,958
Re: Block Drains

dkellogg3 said:
...and here i was thinking this thread was put to bed last night. Thanks for the input guys. I'll probably heed Bondo's advice and swap them out in the spring.

RE: nylon wing plugs... any problems with leaking? I changed one of the hoses out to one eith a similar plug
Click to expand...

Nope,... Not so much a leak problem, but the wings break off, 'n ya can't get 'em out...

Which is why I like plain ole brass drain plugs...
 
R

rschap1

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Apr 10, 2012
Messages
95
Re: Block Drains

I winterized my first motor with blue plastic / nylon plugs a few weeks ago.
My Volvo Penta has them with o-rings and a tether to keep them from falling or getting lost.
Of corse I over tightened and broke one.
Got new ones.
I like them. Especially now that I know how to use them:)
If you do any sort of updating there, I would recommend the plastic pieces, just do not over tighten them.
 
90stingray

90stingray

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Oct 26, 2010
Messages
1,162
Re: Block Drains

When i first took out my plugs they took pliers to get them out. I coat my plugs and orings with waterproof grease... they come out very easy. I have plastic plugs in plastic fittings on the manifolds. I found a set of brass wing type plugs i use in the block... they get grease as well. I took them out this year for winterization by hand... no pliers required! Goodluck...
 
A

airshot

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Messages
5,084
Re: Block Drains

Just a quick note on the plastic drain plugs, if you choose to use them, replace them every other year. The reason is the plastic deteriorates over time from engine heat etc and they will become brittle and the ears will break off without overtightening. Yes you may get lucky and get a few years out of them but why take the chance. Another reason the "smart ole cookie" recomended just getting the brass ones so you won't have any problems..... then "no worries mate"

Airshot
 
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