outdrive plug

[husaburg560]

I have a question I hope some one will know the answer to. I have an 82 mercruiser model 1 pre alpha drive. Today I was doing some work outside around where I have my boat parked for the winter. I noticed on the back of the drive where the sticker mercruiser is placed, some type of plug behind the sticker has popped out. I looked in my service manual and it shows nothing about this. I drained all the oil out when I winterized my boat last season. Thanks for any help.

 

[Don S]

Re: outdrive plug

You don't drain the oil out for winterization, you drain the water out. You want to keep gear lube on the bearings and gears over the winter.<br />There are actually 2 plugs under that decal. One is known as a Welch plug and comes in 2 sizes. That is what covers the hole (item 4) there is also a pipe plug (item 3) under the welch plug.<br /><br />

 

[husaburg560]

Re: outdrive plug

Thanks for the quick responce Don. So is the pipe plug and welch plug cover an access area for some type of adjustment you make? Any idea of what would cause the welch plug to pop out like it did. My thought was water was behind it, froze, and out popped the plug. Do you suggest a new welch plug, or can I re-use the same one. And when installing do you use any type of sealer? Thanks.

 

[Don S]

Re: outdrive plug

Yes, it probably leaked and had water behind it. Take it out and put a new one in. There are 2 different sizes. One 7/8" the other 1-1/4".<br />Could be the pipe plug is leaking allowing water in there, check it while you have the welch plug out.

 

[husaburg560]

Re: outdrive plug

I appreciate your help Don, Thanks.