Replacing water drain plugs for engine - 2014 R5

[ScottR5nTexas]

Hi all,

Am new to this forum. Have a 2014 R5 with VP 320. Am tired of replacing the engine water drain plugs each year. I have had a couple break off in past. The OEM part is 3849500 (see pic). I found replacement parts from Hardin Marine that are a SS replacement for this part. However when I tried screwing them in could only go about a 1/2 turn before they would stop. Not wanting to damage the threads I did not force anything.

The OEM part is ~ $9 each and I thought I could use these Stainless Steel reolacemenrs from Hardin marine as a one time fix. Maybe I just need to keep using the OEM as replacements. Has anyone had issues with the OEM plastic drain plugs? If so what did you replace them with?

Thanks!

[jhnmdahl]

The Hardin marine ones almost appear to have concentric rings instead of threads. There must be some difference that's keeping them from going in, but it otherwise looks like an interesting option.

If you keep having damaged plastic plugs, I also wonder if some grease on the o-rings or not putting them in as tight would help? I don't usually torque mine very tight, but they're very slightly different from the ones you show.