Blue Plastic Drain Plugs

picturethispicturethis Member Posts: 103 ✭✭
in Engine Discussions
Do these need to be replaced when they start turning colors on the threads?   I took all 5 of these plugs out today and 2 had the threads turning white, Id imagine from heat

anybody break one off trying to spin it off?



I am a new boater with my first boat,  thats why some of my questions seem dumb
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • rinker312rinker312 Member Posts: 255 ✭✭
    I hear people say they break them all the time. I don't think you have to replace them if they are not broken. But you should probably have a few spares on hand. The way I winterize I do not remove them so I have not had any issues with them yet. 

    2004 Rinker 312, 5.0 Merc's, Bravo III, Lake Wheeler, AL

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BoatAwayBoatAway Member Posts: 179 ✭✭✭
    picturethis said:
    Do these need to be replaced when they start turning colors on the threads?   I took all 5 of these plugs out today and 2 had the threads turning white, Id imagine from heat

    anybody break one off trying to spin it off?




    yes, they break once in a while. And that usually means having to extract the threaded portion out of the hole since the winged part is in your hand. What's worse is that they have a hole through the threaded part so it no longer provides a seal even if it's in there.

    They're cheap so replacing when you see wear or having extras on hand for when they break is a good idea.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cableguy GregCableguy Greg Member Posts: 5,065 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I would replace them every five or so years. I had one of them break off. It had a small crack in it that I didn't know about and the water pressure blew it apart. I had to use a screw with teflon tape wrapped around the threads to get back to the dock. I used an easy out to get it out of the exhaust manifold.
    2008 280 Express Cruiser, 6.2MPI, B3, Pittsburgh, PA "Blue Ayes" (Sold)
    2022 Cherokee 294GEBG Black Label land yacht. 
    Go Steelers!!!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BabyboomerBabyboomer Member Posts: 918 mod
    http://www.wholesalemarine.com/mercruiser-blue-plastic-drain-plug-by-sierra.html?utm_medium=cse&utm_source=pricegrabber

    Slip 866 Sunset Marina Byrdstown Tn
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BabyboomerBabyboomer Member Posts: 918 mod
    edited October 2014
    On my houseboat I have twin 3.0 Mercruisers with single point drain the blue hoses in the picture really made it nice winterizing you would think they would have this system for larger engines I still ran wire up the hose to check for clogs but the pink ran out and I snapped them back in place filled with pink stuff and closed the hatches.

    Slip 866 Sunset Marina Byrdstown Tn
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • picturethispicturethis Member Posts: 103 ✭✭
    I like that winterizing system,    wonder why merc didnt start this 10 years ago on all their i/o
    I am a new boater with my first boat,  thats why some of my questions seem dumb
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BabyboomerBabyboomer Member Posts: 918 mod
    My engines are 2008 so it's nothing new

    Slip 866 Sunset Marina Byrdstown Tn
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dream_InnDream_Inn Member, Moderator Posts: 7,843 mod
    Yes, definitely change the blue plugs when you have wear on them.  I've had to drill one out and what a pain.  I replace and have some on hand at all times.

    Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Sign In or Register to comment.