PCM Exhaust Manifold Quick Drain

[JayG80]

It is not much fun removing the large brass fittings on the exhaust manifolds when we get the occasional freeze. The plugs are difficult to remove and the waterfall can be tricky to catch.

My neighbor's 2001 Mastercraft has plastic fittings on the manifolds that each tie to a 1 foot piece of garden sized hose. The other end of the 2 hoses are connected each other with quick connect type coupling. So it creates a hose loop that connects the 2 manifolds. To drain the Mastercraft, you just use the quick connect to release the 2 hose ends and let them drain into the bilge.

I might buy the Discount Inboard Marine pair of brass fittings for $50. http://www.skidim.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MCM003 but want to see if there are ways some of you have already successfully used other ideas - how about using a 3/4" NPT CPVC nipple and valve?

[Quinner]

You could certainly add any of the above for convenience however you really should probe every drain plug after removal for sediment, particularly the exhaust manifolds. This ensures all water is drained. Adding fittings will typically restrict flow / reduce the opening size and may not drain fully if clogged with sediment.

I use a cut up milk carton (cut around the handle) to catch all water, this could also be used as a means to measure what has been drained and/or if sediment may be blocking a given hole.

[Mamigacz]

Buy a brass ¾” NPT faucet valve from a Hardware store, Home Depot,Menards, Lowes or Fleet Farm. They costabout $6.00. Cut the end off with a hacksaw (see the attached pictures). Theonly thing that sucks about this, is you have to remove the riser to installit.

[east tx skier]

I have a large box end wrench specifically for the purpose of easily accessing the exhaust manifold plugs. Ran me about $12 and I can have those plugs out with very little effort.

[core-rider]

Buy a brass ¾” NPT faucet valve from a Hardware store, Home Depot,Menards, Lowes or Fleet Farm. They costabout $6.00. Cut the end off with a hacksaw (see the attached pictures). Theonly thing that sucks about this, is you have to remove the riser to installit.


[ATTACH=CONFIG]20268[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]20269[/ATTACH]

Is that an O2 sensor in your riser or a wideband? Seems odd with the carb...

[Mamigacz]

Its an O2 sensor for a wideband air/fuel ratio gauge.

[JayG80]

I like the cut down faucet but I just replaced my riser gaskets.

My 1 1/16" box wrench was shipped from Amazon last week. Plug would not budge with the usual crescent wrench & PB Blaster.

[Mamigacz]

So, you got the plug out with the new 1 1/16 wrench? Or is it still stuck?

[JayG80]

I just got it with the new wrench. Just need the proper tool for the job.

Crescent wrenches are only good for hammering. ;-)

[scottb7]

So true about crescent wrench...easy with socket or proper wrench.

[AirTool]

So true about crescent wrench...easy with socket or proper wrench.

yes - and 6 point not 12 point.

[JayG80]

yes - and 6 point not 12 point.

Now you tell me, I'd order a 6 if I had a do over. Didn't think to pay attention while ordering the 12 point. It still worked great and gave me more degree of freedom to start the wrench in the limited space.

Part of the problem with using the large crescent was the limited space to set and pull the wrench. The 6 point offers less set up initiation points than the 12 but more than the crescent. The 6 is beefier and fits better on the already rounded manifold plug corners though.