Broken Freeze Plug Removal

[Tripsdad]

I was out on the boat anchored in one of our local coves all day and got back to the dock and noticed my bilge pump running every 10 minutes or so. I checked to see where the waters was coming from and noticed what looks like a broken freeze plug. I don’t typically do my own engine maintenance but I’d hate to miss a day on the water for something that
I should be able to do myself. Any suggestions on the best method to remove the broken plug? Thanks in advance.

 

[KevinC]

I was out on the boat anchored in one of our local coves all day and got back to the dock and noticed my bilge pump running every 10 minutes or so. I checked to see where the waters was coming from and noticed what looks like a broken freeze plug. I don’t typically do my own engine maintenance but I’d hate to miss a day on the water for something that
I should be able to do myself. Any suggestions on the best method to remove the broken plug? Thanks in advance.
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I would try an easy-out bit. See if you could get it in the hole that is leaking.

Something like this: https://www.harborfreight.com/screw-extractor-and-left-hand-drill-bit-combo-set-10-pc-61981.html

Then see if you can find a matching plug to fill it.

-Kevin

 

[Nater Potater]

I try to find the straight style, since the spiral type can tend to wind deeper into the broken piece, causing it to expand and locking in even tighter. I'd recommend trying this type as long as you have enough room to swing a hammer to drive it into the hole.

 

[Bill Curtis]

That is not a freeze plug, it is a standard drain plug for draining the water system. It is pretty common for them to break off, due age or being bumped.

Also, after the plug is out, Hardin Marine sells a set of S/S plugs in very close to same shape as the blue plastic ones.

No more broken plastic plugs for me.

 

[Jeff Delbuono]

Bill, can you post a pic or item # for the ss plugs. I replace my blue plastic plugs every year just for that fact. I have broken many over the years and its a bitch to get out. Would def go with ss ones

 

[Jeff Delbuono]

Disregard, after i sent that i looked them up and just ordered 2 sets. Thanks for the info

 

[Jeff Delbuono]

Tripsdad,
Just a fyi. Your motor should have 5 of them on each motor. 1 under each riser, 1 on each side of motor block, 1 on cool fuel. They get pulled each year to drain water before winterizing

 

[Tripsdad]

Thank you all for the fast replies! I meant to put a question mark after “freeze plug” as I didn’t know what it was. I’ll try the easy-outs since I can’t find the straight type in stock at HD or Lowes. I have an extra plastic one in the spare parts the the PO left me to hopefully get me running today but the SS ones sound like the way to go.
I truly appreciate the help!

 

[Creekwood]

Thank you all for the fast replies! I meant to put a question mark after “freeze plug” as I didn’t know what it was. I’ll try the easy-outs since I can’t find the straight type in stock at HD or Lowes. I have an extra plastic one in the spare parts the the PO left me to hopefully get me running today but the SS ones sound like the way to go.
I truly appreciate the help!

You can probably. get it out with a star tip screwdriver. Just tap it lightly into the exposed hole and try to back it out like a screw. Don’t hammer it in hard, just tap enough to get a bit of bite from the screwdriver.

 

[Lazy Daze]

The plugs generally last for 5+ years, and often much longer, but it's certainly not a bad idea to replace pre-emptively.

Heat up a large-blade flat-blade screwdriver and stick it in. Pull it out and let it cool.

 

[Shaps]

I was out on the boat anchored in one of our local coves all day and got back to the dock and noticed my bilge pump running every 10 minutes or so. I checked to see where the waters was coming from and noticed what looks like a broken freeze plug. I don’t typically do my own engine maintenance but I’d hate to miss a day on the water for something that
I should be able to do myself. Any suggestions on the best method to remove the broken plug? Thanks in advance.
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Rob, sent you a text

 

[Tripsdad]

You can probably. get it out with a star tip screwdriver. Just tap it lightly into the exposed hole and try to back it out like a screw. Don’t hammer it in hard, just tap enough to get a bit of bite from the screwdriver.

Thanks for the suggestion. Tried with 3 increasingly larger tips but the plug is in too tight so it just enlarged the hole.

 

[Tripsdad]

The plugs generally last for 5+ years, and often much longer, but it's certainly not a bad idea to replace pre-emptively.

Heat up a large-blade flat-blade screwdriver and stick it in. Pull it out and let it cool.

I’ll try this when I go back to the boat later. Thanks.

 

[Tripsdad]

I couldn’t make it back down to the boat yesterday and had plans to use it this evening so had the mechanic change it out today.

Thanks again for all the suggestions and help.