Bad start to ‘19 season - soft plugs 01 SAN210

[Codywb01]

I come here with bad news to start the season.

This weekend I got all the needed materials to change my oil and put new spark plugs into my 2nd year new to me 2001 SAN210. Our old boat was a 92 Ski Nautique. So similar engines.

First off, let me say that the engine compartment is cramped to say the least.

Secondly, I was putting the plugs back in and noticed on the starboard side of the engine the middle soft plug blew out the side along with the one towards the bow.

When I winterized this I took five plugs out. 2 big ones for the manifold 1 ea 1/2” for the water pump, 1 small one and 1 out of the block. I failed to realize this was unlike my old Nautique in that there is a red rubber hose coming out of the block and goes the whole way to the front of the boat to what I assume is the heater. I’m not positive if that’s where it goes for sure. If anyone can confirm what that’s for is greatly appreciate it.

This is not all of what I’m asking here though.

The point I’m getting to is that what entails installing two ne soft plugs into the block. Has anyone ever done it before? How much of a hassle is it to take on yourself? What kind of tools will I need? How much could I expect to to pay to have it done by a dealer?

Any and all suggestions or experience on replacing these is welcome.

I can’t believe I missed that hose and am beginning to feel like my boating season is over before it began.


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[glassywaters]

Do you mean freeze plugs?

[charlesml3]

Do you mean the thing people often call "freeze plugs" which, in fact, have nothing to do with freeze protection?

[kylem03]

I’m sorry to say but I’d be surprised if you don’t have a cracked block. Sounds like you didn’t drain the block on the side with the hot heater hose. If it had enough water in it to push out 2 of the casting plugs, I’d expect that the cooling ports are probably cracked and will allow water to leak into the pan. Change your oil and look for water. That’ll tell you a bunch. Sorry to hear about this.

[NautiqueJeff]

Yep, unfortunately I agree with the above.

You'll almost certainly have a cracked heater core as well. If you have hot water leaking around your feet at the driver's seat when the engine is running, the heater core is cracked.

[Codywb01]

So I changed the oil and no water in it. I won’t be able to do anything with it the next couple weeks but I will put together a fake lake and let you know how I am making out. Yes I’m talking about the freeze plugs


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[Nautiquehunter]

Yes that is a tough one . It is possible to pop out freeze plugs without engine damage but the odds are not good. The plugs themselves just tap in with a hammer and a socket slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the plug check you tube for video. Good luck.

[charlesml3]

Yes I’m talking about the freeze plugs

OK, so it's time to revisit this myth. The plugs you're describing are often called "freeze plugs." They are not. They never have had anything to do with freezing. The are casting plugs as Kyle said above.

These engine blocks are cast. In other words, they're made by pouring molten iron into a mold or a cast. It's a complicated shape and without some way to vent air pockets out of the mold the iron wouldn't flow into the all the places it needs to go. Therefore, there are vents in the mold. Some of these have to reach areas inside the block. That's what leaves these holes in the side of the engine block when it's done.

During the engine assembly, these casting vents are plugged.

-Charles

[homer12]

First off, so sorry to hear about your troubles, disheartening to say the least. Maybe you’ll get lucky and at worst have a cracked heater core. The advice so far is all right on. The red hose you mentioned - should be 2 at that location. One sending water to heater core and one returning it to the block to circulate. If heater is bad you can bypass that with shortened hose between the in and out. You really need to run it and check your oil as was mentioned to see if there’s damage.


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[Skidave]

I replaced a casting plug before. You can order replacements from Discount Inboard Marine.

You need a socket that fits inside the plug, hammer and ice water. Soak the new plug in ice water for several minutes. Remove it, line it up with the mating hole on the block, put the socket in and gently begin tapping it so it seats squarely and then drive it in.

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[Codywb01]

guys i just wanted to give you all an update. i put 1 new "casting plug" in (thanks for the education), changed my oil, and put new spark plugs in. took it out saturday and monday and it was steady at 170 degrees both days. Fingers crossed i dodged a bullet here. I do think something is up with the heater core, as the carpet is wet right below the helm.

as i've said before, i boat near Pittsburgh, PA and our season runs from at the earliest, late April to at the latest late October. I've never had a heater in the boat until this one. has anyone ever taken these out and just plugged off that tap with a standard brass plug? Most often we will not be using it, and i feel it's really just a waste for where we're located.

Especially, since i do not have a house on the river and am only really able to utilize it on the weekends.

Let me know what your thoughts are. Thanks again guys!

[Nautiquehunter]

You can eliminate the heater by plugging the ports of connecting a hose between the two ports.

[charlesml3]

You can eliminate the heater by plugging the ports of connecting a hose between the two ports.

Or just order a new heater core and replace it. It's most certainly cracked.

[Nautiquehunter]

Or just order a new heater core and replace it. It's most certainly cracked.

True and once you have a heater you will wonder how you got along without one.