Problem with drain plug

[Raider316]

I have a 84 Lowes Pontoon boat

I can't get the drain plug out of one of the pontoons.
The head is broke off so I can't grab it. Its in there pretty good which is how the head got broken off.

I don't think its leaking however I would like to be able to drain the pontoon anyway.
What are my options?

Thanks

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Problem with drain plug

Drill it out....use an easy out..... was it an aluminum plug in an aluminum pontoon? You might be able to have a nut welded to it to turn it out......

 

[Raider316]

Re: Problem with drain plug

Drill it out....use an easy out..... was it an aluminum plug in an aluminum pontoon? You might be able to have a nut welded to it to turn it out......

I believe its a brass plug in an aluminum pontoon

 

[joey maneri]

Re: Problem with drain plug

If it was so tight that the plug broke, an easy out might not work. If the bung for the plug is big enough, you may be able to drill it out to a larger plug and retap it. all else fails have someone weld a new bung in the pontoon, and this time use anti-sieze.

 

[Raider316]

Re: Problem with drain plug

If it was so tight that the plug broke, an easy out might not work. If the bung for the plug is big enough, you may be able to drill it out to a larger plug and retap it. all else fails have someone weld a new bung in the pontoon, and this time use anti-sieze.

Could I use a heli coil?

 

[nitsuj]

Re: Problem with drain plug

Personal opinion here, but I HATE easy outs. I won't use them unless I have no other options, and I know they fastener isn't that tight. If you use one and it breaks, the repair gets a LOT harder. Not sure about in your situation, but I've had good luck with drilling out to the proper size and installing a time sert. Not sure I'd use a heli-coil in that application. The right way to do it would be to have a new bung welded in. And it probably wouldn't cost too much.

 

[MRS]

Re: Problem with drain plug

I would first spray the heck out of it with penatrating oil for a day and if you can get a chisel on it tap it with a hammer and see if it moves. Has worked for me many times when I have the room to use hammer and chisel combo....

 

[walt-oxie1]

Re: Problem with drain plug

I would drill the center of the plug and use a fluted extractor. I would also heat the area around the plug with a mapp torch or oxy/acetylene torch. If it seems like it is not going to come out with the extractor, stop and drill it and re-tap the hole to the same size. It is extremely important to drill it as centered and straight as possible.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Problem with drain plug

Drill the plug and keep using larger bits. Brass is very soft and yo can actually drill it out enough to crush it in and remove it.

 

[wtxpatrick]

Re: Problem with drain plug

Drilling it sounds like the thing to do. I would start with a small bit and keep drilling holes with progressively larger bits, also, lube it up a little, it may free up, release, and come on out.

 

[ken52]

Re: Problem with drain plug

Could I use a heli coil?

I would think that would let water in some.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Problem with drain plug

Could I use a heli coil?

Ayuh,... Problem there is, the Tool for 1/2" pipe threads is about $500....
It does come with a 1/2 dozen inserts though...

 

[grego]

Re: Problem with drain plug

Try a dremmel tool. use two blades instead of one. or go to hardware and buy carbon blades. use eye protection. Cut a slot that you can use a large screwdriver,hopefully one that has a square shaft, so you can use a cressent wrench to help turn. Use tephlon tape on new caps. don't forget wd40, Should work.

 

[Raider316]

Re: Problem with drain plug

Thanks for all of the replies

I believe I am going to drill it out and try to colapse the plug. If that doesn't work I will retap it

 

[Raider316]

Update

Update

I was able to drill out the plug using a tad samll drill bit. Worked like a charm and I didn't damage any threads!
Thanks to all who respeonded

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: Problem with drain plug

Good job....love that feeling of satisfaction when something works like its supposed to.