tb4me Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 Hey how is everyone today?....So on the weekend I decide to get the stuff to change the lower end unit gear oil. I got new washers and enough gear oil to do the job. Then I tried to get the bottom cap out of the gear case..That's where I had to stop. I had a big wide screwdriver and no go. I don't want to destroy the screw-cap trying to get it off. So I have decided to wait till next weekend to complete the job. I wanted to check in here to see how you folks get them out? Any ideas? Thanks in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcdougy Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 um...???right is tight, left is loose????? Beyond that, it should go. No tricks that i know of.. when were talking about this type of screw!!! Other types...Many tricks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRIFTER_016 Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 Stick your screwdriver in the offending drain plug and while putting counter clockwise (lefty loosy) give the handle of the screwdriver a couple of raps with a hammer. This should break it loose. If not you may need to give it a whack with one of these. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bernie Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 (edited) Back when I was working on outboards I kept an impact driver with the proper blade on it just for doing these. Impact driver Drifter beat me to it. Edited May 15, 2013 by Bernie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sinker Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 How big was your screwdriver? You need a bigger one S. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captpierre Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 one guy press the largest screwdriver into the screw. Buddy lock a visegrip on the screwdriver shaft and twist left. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4x4bassin Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 Like others have said , get the biggest screwdriver in there with lots of downward pressure . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBCregal Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 try and find a screwdriver with a hex on the shaft near the handle. that way you can get a wrench on it for some extra torque. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raf Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 (edited) these are a PITA. i'm struggling with mine too. gonna try it again this wknd.largest slot screwdriver i've been able to find has a 3/8" wide head but I think 1/2" would work even better.almost need one of them old school drag link sockets. the impact driver would work but i've not been able to find a bit with a wide enough head.. and i don't want to mess up the screw in there using a too-small head. Edited May 15, 2013 by Raf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fisher Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 I usually change the oil at the end of the season before storing for the winter in case of water could freeze/cause cracking. But as for your question, get yourself a drill with a bit that fits snug so to minimize any slipping/stripping of the head (on low torque), but hand tighten with a larger screw driver when putting back on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aplumma Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 Smacker hand impact like Drifter pictured and Bernie has confirmed is what I have always used with success. Art Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davey buoy Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 Smacker hand impact like Drifter pictured and Bernie has confirmed is what I have always used with success. Art Me too,that's what I use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbuck Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 IMPACT WRENCH all the way!! I had the same problem with the lower unit on my boat a year and a half ago when I did my own lower unit oil. It zipped off like nothing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tb4me Posted May 15, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 Cool I will try the bigger screw driver first. I went to cdn tire and bought the biggest screwdriver I could find and took it to the bench grinder. It now has a big wide fat tip on it..If that don't work ill try the impact tool. I also went back to Dundas Marine in Waterdown today and bought new screws. These have a hex type head instead of a slot.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbuck Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 Oh yeah, replace the gasket!! A replacement screw can be had for a few bucks. Keep one handy just in case the old one gets mangled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lew Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 When putting the plugs back in, they only need to be snugged down, no need to really lean on them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr blizzard Posted May 15, 2013 Report Share Posted May 15, 2013 Real men use their thumbnail.......LOL As mentioned the impact works great but I have also had good luck with a vice grip on the end of a screwdriver, as Lew said dont overtighten Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now