Manifold Drain Plugs- 2002 GT40

[BeaverLake02]

Good evening all. First post second day owner of a 2002 Sport. I have successfully added my RV Antifreeze and drained both sides of the block and the low spot by the pump. I am having issues getting the big manifold plugs to budge. Any recommendations? Thought about soaking them both with some type of penetrating fluid. Any help is appreciated. Thank you!

[NautiqueJeff]

Yeah, about all you can do is soak them for a couple of days. Have they been removed in the past? Are you located in an area that sees freezing temperatures every year?

If you run enough RV antifreeze through it so that the water coming out of the exhaust is pink, you MIGHT be okay. If nothing else, you can always replace the manifolds. How do the riser gaskets look? May be time to pull the risers off for gasket replacement anyway.

[Tjca77]

I had a hard time getting mine off as well. Bought some liquid wrench and that did the trick. The other thing that helped was big open ended wrench. Don't be afraid to put your back into it either if you know what I mean.

[Quinner]

PB Blaster is the best in a can stuff for this, if that does not work try the acetone/atf mixture

[BeaverLake02]

Wow. Thanks for all the suggestions! The boat came from Michigan, then to Houston for the last 3 years. I assume the drain plugs have not been removed in 3 years. I purchased the boat 3 days ago and live in NW Arkansas which is basically a southern midwest climate so do get spurts of really cold weather.

I will run to the store today for some liquid wrench or similar.

Has anyone installed these plugs with the drain valves? http://www.skidim.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MCM001 A little pricy but sure seems to make sense.

[BeaverLake02]

Here is a pic of the new (to me) ride!


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[Tjca77]

Let us know if you pull the trigger on those plugs with drain valves. I drained my block this year and while the block itself wasn't hard to do, like you the manifolds were rough to get out. The elbow from the thermostat housing was even worse. I had to replace that brass plug and it has been leaking ever since.

[kend]

Bought my '01 used as well and had no idea if they had ever been out. I ended up using a 1/2" drive breakover handle; it was able to fit in the small space and long enough to pull hard. They were rusty and could have used some penetrating oil. I put anit-seize compound on them and they came right out this year.

[Franciz]

My 01 air was the same. I also used a 1/2" break bar with PB blaster.
Kend is correct about the anit-seize. It's a life saver.

[Quinner]

Let us know if you pull the trigger on those plugs with drain valves. I drained my block this year and while the block itself wasn't hard to do, like you the manifolds were rough to get out. The elbow from the thermostat housing was even worse. I had to replace that brass plug and it has been leaking ever since.

Try some Teflon tape on the leaky plug.

If you use those valves just be sure and probe them often to ensure the much smaller drain hole is not plugged up, usually see quite a bit of crud come out on a drain, especially the manifolds.

[scottb7]

I agree with above 2 posts...Save your money and just use a bunch of antiseize!