Noticed the bilge pump running

[Southerncomfort]

It all started when I noticed the build pump start running frequently. I thought it was just all the water from the coolers going to the bilge (pretty dumb I know)

Finally opened up the engine hatch and noticed water spraying all over the side of the engine compartment... Panic. First thought engine block is cracked. Again stupid thoughts.

Got back to the slip and broke out the trusty phone to take a picture of the side the engine.

Complete relief, the lower drain plug on the engine block was spraying water... Easy fix right. Just tighten it up.

Went to hand tighten it... No joy. Tried to take it off and it snapped and fell under the engine. Great just great.

Finally got it out from under the engine after multiple poor attempts. ( I am buying one of those grandfather grabbers at AutoZone damn it)

So it is broke off at the thread. It looks like the cobalt dealer's mechanic actually over tightened when I had them winterize it last winter. The threads love ok like they have been cracked for a while.

So no plug... so the boat day is done for a $2.00 plug..

Tried to get the plastic plug part left in the motor that is broken off with a screwdriver but can't quite get it out.

So experts what tool you recommend to get that out without messing up the metal threads? I am thinking a bolt removal bit but wanted to ask if there is something better.

[Big Block Power]

It's the one that goes into that brass fitting? I would take that fitting off first. Then go from there. You might be able to use a screw driver and just keep turning it all the way through.

[Southerncomfort]

BBP

Yeah it is a brass fitting. Any special thread compound I need to worry about putting back on if I take it off?

[ajcampen]

Anyone think replacing the blue plastic plugs is worth in with Hardin marines stainless steal ones?

[Big Block Power]

BBP

Yeah it is a brass fitting. Any special thread compound I need to worry about putting back on if I take it off?

No not with plastic.
Aj
The hardin ones wont break. But how will the 2 metals react with each other?

[Lockey14s]

Replace it with a brass plug and some teflon tape. Yes you will have to use two wrenches, but it will save you from this headache in the future because it WILL happen again. Those blue pieces of crap are a joke.

[ajcampen]

BBP

Yeah it is a brass fitting. Any special thread compound I need to worry about putting back on if I take it off?

No not with plastic.
Aj
The hardin ones wont break. But how will the 2 metals react with each other?

Hardin says nothing or anti-seize. What about a little engine oil like I use on the oil filter threads?

[cmattj]

BBP

Yeah it is a brass fitting. Any special thread compound I need to worry about putting back on if I take it off?

No not with plastic.
Aj
The hardin ones wont break. But how will the 2 metals react with each other?

Plastic with a wing nut as BB said it won’t attract mineral deposits in the threading. Plus closed cooling only gets to 20lbs pressure and open systems are less. And the o ring is the sealing.

Notice all the flush caps are plastic with o rings? Keep it simple and just pick the broken pieces out of the brass adapter ( once removed )
Easy peasy

[Southerncomfort]

Anyone think replacing the blue plastic plugs is worth in with Hardin marines stainless steal ones?

"Stainless Steel Lifetime Series Sea Pump Drain Plugs - Mercruiser 22-806608A02 / 8M2000874"

Notice it says Mericruiser... does Volvo Penta use the same ones?

Definitely considering it.