Force 125 1989 Lower End Drain Plug Head Stripped

[SMHe]

I am unable to remove the bottom drain plug on my lower end----Force 1989 125 HP any ideas?? The head on the allen inset is rounded out enough to where I can't get it to grab for loosening. Removal is counter clockwise correct?? Any suggestions appreciated.<br />Also, may be in the market to purchase a used lower end as the bottom fin is broken off----was that way when I bought it. Not much of a mechanic.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Force 125 1989 Lower End Drain Plug Head Stripped

You can try to use an "easy-out". It is a reverse cut type of drill bit that bites into the head of the screw to be removed. About $7 at most hardware stores. Easy to use, just put in drill, set drill to reverse, go slow.<br /><br />If this fails, then you will have to have is drilled out, and a new hole tapped in to fit a plug.<br /><br />The skeg (bottom fin) can be replaced (new one welded on) if there is some of the old one left to work with. Check with a local prop repair shop or boat dealer.

 

[SMHe]

Re: Force 125 1989 Lower End Drain Plug Head Stripped

Thank you, will try to pick one up and work on it when the weather gets a little warmer.

 

[wvit100]

Re: Force 125 1989 Lower End Drain Plug Head Stripped

You don't need the bottom fin (skeg). Mine has been broken off for years and it doesn't make any difference. What the skeg does do is keep your prop from hitting the ground, or stump, But like I said mine has been gone for years.<br /><br />You need a really good set of allen wrenches befores you start messing with that one. I don't think I have ever seen an extractor that small. Snapon.com sells some good extractor sets.

 

[TopKick]

Re: Force 125 1989 Lower End Drain Plug Head Stripped

Good Luck on that drain plug. I had a 1988 85hp and the plug was frozen. I broke 2 ease outs and on one of those the piece was stuck in the head of the allen screw. I was unable to dig it out. I ended up drilling the entire screw out and putting in a heli-coil kit. Boy, that was a big pain. The only way I could keep it from leaking was to put thread tape on the threads of the new screw. I never really trusted that water wasn't getting in there, so I just kept the fluid changed more often. I don't have the boat anymore, so I don't know if it is still holding up.

 

[outboardguy]

Re: Force 125 1989 Lower End Drain Plug Head Stripped

Iv'e never personally seen a drain plug with an allen head. But you could try and buy an impact driver(little black thing you put sockets on and smack with a hammer to turn a small amount)and a corresponding allen socket.Put the tool up to the plug and turn it like you are loosening the plug then whack it with a hammer.Never had one stay stuck yet

 

[revertmastec]

Re: Force 125 1989 Lower End Drain Plug Head Stripped

Easier to leave the old screw alone and drill a new one next to it and thread it.

 

[SMHe]

Re: Force 125 1989 Lower End Drain Plug Head Stripped

Hey, thanks to all of your ideas and help I was able to remove the allen head drain plug today using an easy out. First had to drill thru the plug with a 5/8ths drill bit and than used the easy out, voila---------done deal. Appreciate the ideas. I think I am ready for the water.

 

[Patty Pooh]

Re: Force 125 1989 Lower End Drain Plug Head Stripped

I had the same problem on my 89 Force 125. The allen screw stripped out and believe me when I tell you that drilling it out is a waste of time. That allen head is so hard it broke 2 drill bits and extracters. What I found was the easiest and best fix was to drill a new hole about an inch down and put a new screw in and leave the old one alone. This time I used a screw that used a flat head screw driver instead of the allen head.