PCM V Drive winterization

[s_kelley2000]

New to me 2012 230 and the drain plug at the front of the PCM V Drive does not want to budge, I am guessing it hasn't been out since it left the factory. A quick google shows this is a common issue. I was using the 1/2" ratchet drive as other suggested but going through the access hole it is hard to get much leverage on it. It only dropped below freezing for about an hour last night and the weather is going to warm back up so for another week so maybe I'll pull up the floor so I can get a breaker bar on there and actually be able to see what I am doing. Short of that what have others done in this situation? I am thinking if I remove the water hoses and suck out with a shop vac I am probably good?

[SatherG230]

I would think removing the hose and using a shop vac would get you "good enough". I don't recall whether there is enough room to get a 1/2" impact driver in there or not, but that might break it loose. Mine was tough this year, too! I never would have gotten it through the access hole. I have the same year 230 and always remove that section when winterizing - makes it so much easier to access filters and hoses.

[bturner]

I use a 1/2" ratchet with a 3" extension to do mine but I also have to pull the depth sensor to get to it. Tons of water come out of there so this is an absolute must to drain. If you look at the diagram below there's a picture on the top right that shows where it's located.

[s_kelley2000]

Thanks I figure I should be able to get it once I pull the floor and have better access to it versus going through the small access hole. We have barely dipped below freezing so far and we have a nice warm up next week so I will deal with it then..