Thread Sealant On Drain Plugs?

[LuvBoating]

Is applying thread sealant to block drain plugs necessary?

Our new block, installed last year, had sealant on the plug threads and the plugs were somewhat hard to get out when I drained the block last Dec. I put the plugs back into the block, but didn't use any thread sealant (no water in the block). The mechanic who installed the block last year, gave me some Permatex Thread Sealant for the plugs (when I take them out). He told me that he always puts this sealant on the plug threads when installing drain plugs into a block.

A very good friend of mine, and a power boat owner for years, told me that the plugs are tampered and don't need the sealant put on them. However, I did read a couple of postings in Threads that stated about putting trailer grease on the plug threads to prevent rusting and make the plugs easier to remove.

We just want to make sure we don't have any water leakage around the drain plugs when the block has water in it.

 

[Don S]

Re: Thread Sealant On Drain Plugs?

I put regular gasket sealer on them, more for corrosion protection than stopping leaks, they are tapered pipe thread and brass and seldom leak.
Here's a hint if you have problems with those square headed plugs, replace them with some brass Hex plugs, then you can use a socket or wrench on them which makes it much faster and easier to remove and re-install.