Drain Plug HELP!!!!!

[jdevoid]

I tightened my drain plug on my 2001 225 Explorer and the thru hull fitting(housing) began twisting with the plug.  It was very slight and I got the plug real snug but at the last second the thruhull housing  twisted with the force of the wrench.

Should I have this looked at??

[Circle Hooked]

Iv'e had that happen twice,you need to fix that,last time i took off the housing,cleaned up the area an re filled the screw holes with marine tex,let it harden then redrilled the screw holes put some 5200 on the fitting and re installed,let the 5200 cure for a few days and good to go,that thing shouldn't give me anymore trouble now.

[jdevoid]

This can all be done from ouside the hull?  I tried to loosen the screws- they did not budge.   once the screws are out the thru hull piece will come out?

[Circle Hooked]

This can all be done from ouside the hull?  I tried to loosen the screws- they did not budge.   once the screws are out the thru hull piece will come out?

Correct,there could be some sealent under the fitting holding it down,you might have to pry alitte but the screws are what really hold it on.

[flounderpounder225]

This can all be done from ouside the hull?  I tried to loosen the screws- they did not budge.   once the screws are out the thru hull piece will come out?

Yes, don't sweat this, if the screws heads are stripped, get a drill bit, probably 3/16 with a cobalt or tungsten tip, go slowly and drill the heads off the screws, once you have gotten to the garboard drain material stop, you should be able to pry the entire fitting out leaving what little pieces of the screws still in the transom.  Gently grind them flat with the transom, get a new garboard drain, clean the hole area where the plug came out.  Rotate the new drain so you are drilling into new glass, place the new drain in the hole and mark your holes, remove and drill, coat the inside of the hole and the screw hole with 3M 4200, and install the new drain.  Go fishing
Marc

[RickK]

You could use one of these to remove the stripped  screws - work like a champ - I got mine at Sears.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001A4CWHO?tag=remtresap-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B001A4CWHO&adid=0VBKXC4CCHG5YQTZ8PM7&

[flounderpounder225]

You could use one of these to remove the stripped  screws - work like a champ - I got mine at Sears.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001A4CWHO?tag=remtresap-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=B001A4CWHO&adid=0VBKXC4CCHG5YQTZ8PM7&

Good advice Rick, I guess I'm just old school...

[jdevoid]

Thx  guys- great info. BTW I wanted to ask about the nut holding my steering wheel.  It seems it has crumbled to about 50 % of its original size.  I have tried to get it off( it seems to have retained it sides)  but I can get it off.  I tried NUTZ-OFF but I am unable to get any movement.  Any ideas?

Plus what is the size nut- and where can I get one?  2001 225 Explorer. Sea Star steering I believe.

[jdevoid]

If the screws are in the hull, then how can the fitting twist?  Shouldn't the screws hold the fitting in place? How is that the fitting will twist along with the screws?

[gran398]

jdevoid,

Welcome!  Fix it as the members have advised ASAP. Pull the whole fixture out and dry the hole thoroughly with a heat lamp prior to applying the 4200. Watch it, don't get it too hot. Be patient...it must be dry.

Per previous discussion, a leaking drain plug fixture is the leading cause of transom water intrusion and subsequent encapsulated wood rot/transom failure. They rot out first from the bilge, then upward.

Good luck sir!

[Circle Hooked]

If the screws are in the hull, then how can the fitting twist?  Shouldn't the screws hold the fitting in place? How is that the fitting will twist along with the screws?

The force of wrenching on it pulls on the screws and wobles out the holes big time,thats were marine tex comes in,to fill and fix the holes  

I used 5200 because it's a more permenant thing,sandwich that stuff all around that fitting and the 5200 should hold it in all by itself then add the screws and it should never move again,that was my thinking anyway and so far so good.

[gran398]

Exactly, good advice. Just make sure everything is good and DRY before beginning the filling/ repairs. After patching the existing holes, rotate the fitting upon install, and drill new holes. (Don't screw to the old filled holes). Just my HO.  Then load everything up with the 4200/5200 better, and bed it down. Make sure to use high grade stainless pan head screws, biggest that will fit the holes. Long as possible, but don't come close to piercing the glass on the other side.

[Circle Hooked]

gran is right make sure its all dry,also don't skimp on the cure time.

[jdevoid]

Awesome!!  I am ready to do this today.   Great info   thx again for this site!

[jdevoid]

Good news- with a good tap on the screwdriver with a hammer the screws came out!   YES!    Now I have the new garboard drain plug and 5200.  Clean that baby up and YES this issue is resolved.  THX again