Drain plug wont go back in!!!

[pizzafellow]

Johnson 40 76elr. I drained the oil from the lower unit after I unscrewed both top and bottom screws(plugs). No problem, oil was dark color , no trace of water or metal shavings. But after filling it with fresh oil, I tried to screw the bottom plug back in but it wouldn't go in at all like if something inside came down and closed the whole from inside!!! I tried to push it a little with a screw driver but it would not budge. Does anyone have an idea why this happened? It does not feel at all like metal shaving.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Drain plug wont go back in!!!

Hmmm, does the screw have a slotted head or Phillips head?

 

[pizzafellow]

Re: Drain plug wont go back in!!!

Drain screw has a phillips head, a small sectin of the screw(next to the head) is threded but the rest is not.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Drain plug wont go back in!!!

By chance, did you remove the phillips head screw? If so, your shifter lever is hanging in the way. You will have to get the lever back in position and reinsert the phillips screw, which is the pivot for the lever.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Drain plug wont go back in!!!

Yup, what he said...

 

[pizzafellow]

Re: Drain plug wont go back in!!!

I did take the phillips head screw out. How do I put the lever back in place ? D I have to take the foot apart?

 

[PmDavis300]

Re: Drain plug wont go back in!!!

I did take the phillips head screw out. How do I put the lever back in place ? D I have to take the foot apart?

the shift lever has a small hole in it for the screw to fit thru, if you get a flashlight and shine it in there maybe youll be able to see it. VERY CAREFULLY try to get the screw thru that hole, and if successful you wont have to take the LU apart. if you try that and cant get at it youll probably have to take it apart....

 

[ezeke]

Re: Drain plug wont go back in!!!

Lay the unit on its side and use an awl to move the lever until you see the hole, then reinsert the pin. Everyone gets to do this once.

The drain and fill screws should both have slotted heads.

 

[pizzafellow]

Re: Drain plug wont go back in!!!

Thankyou very much ezeke and xcuseme for your help. I'll try to get it straight and I will post the results.
Thnx again gentelmen.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Drain plug wont go back in!!!

It can often be done without disassembly, but it's not simple and often takes quite a while. If you lay the ouboard on its side with the hole that pivot pin came out of facing up, you can sometimes jog the lever back into the correct position. You'll need a strong light so you can see how you're doing.

A small pick tool...like a very small diameter screwdriver with a very sharp point on it can help you fiddle the lever back into position. What you want is to see the hole in it, centered in the hole the screw in pivot pin goes in.

Another trick is to put a slight short bevel on the business end of the pin, to help it center in the hole. Very short, though.

If you're lucky, you'll get it done, eventually. Sometimes, bumping the lower unit with the heel of your hand can also jog things around to help. Of course, you'll have to drain the lube out of the thing, or you won't be able to do this.

Good luck.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Drain plug wont go back in!!!

Lay the unit on its side and use an awl to move the lever until you see the hole, then reinsert the pin. Everyone gets to do this once.

The drain and fill screws should both have slotted heads.

Ayup. And it can be a job that tries the patience, but it's sure easier than dismantling the lower unit to do it. I had to do it once on a 35hp Johnson. Right after that I got my manual. Didn't want to unscrew the wrong thing again.

 

[iwombat]

Re: Drain plug wont go back in!!!

Only once?

I guess I stepped up to the plate for someone else.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Drain plug wont go back in!!!

Only once?

I guess I stepped up to the plate for someone else.

Took one for the team huh???

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Drain plug wont go back in!!!

Well, just once for that particular mistake. Still, it's a really good argument for buying a manual, I think. There is a warning.

 

[pizzafellow]

Re: Drain plug wont go back in!!!

I really appreciate all the above comments. I was lucky!! I used the smallest drill bit I have and gently used to find the hole. I finally got the manual in the mail today so things are a lot easier now! This is my first outboard and I know I have a lot to learn !! This forum is a great add-on to the manual because nothing beats the years of experience of its members. I have a couple of more issues with this motor, that I will post on the appropriate threads. Thnx again.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Drain plug wont go back in!!!

I also undid the phillips screw once... way back before i knew what I was doing! We all do it! Once!

 

[iwombat]

Re: Drain plug wont go back in!!!

Well, see.

I did it once and everything stayed right in place. Didn't know anything was amiss, then put it all back together.

Then I did it again and . . . well. I know better now.