Cleanout plug success

[CaptRedbeard]

I know this has been discussed ad nauseam here but I wanted to add my successful experience in case it can help anyone.

New to me 2006 AR210 that had pretty stuck plugs when purchased (purchase price reflected my knowledge that I’d be rebuilding them). I don’t think the PO ever removed them. My concern was with how top half of the plugs seemed very snug in the top of the cleanout port (the white portion of the tray). Both rubber seals were badly expanded. One of the seals had a lip that was folded over permanently. Both plug bottoms were full of water even after the boat has been sitting for a few months.

I finally got my rebuild kits in the mail and rebuilt the plugs. I used some 180 sandpaper on the ports to clean off all the dirt/sediment that was caked on the walls. I took the advice of @motomandan and greased all surfaces of the seals and plugs with Super Lube. Plugs were still slightly snug at the top of the ports but now slip in and out super easily.

I was worried I’d be needing to heat/stretch the tray and tubes or something. Success!

 

[212s]

Good job on the successful rebuild.

I recommend using silicone lubricant over lithium on the plugs though as lithium will hold more dirt/contaminants. A can of silicone spray lube is fast and easy to give them a quick shot of lube every couple of weeks. And as it's thinner, it helps to rinse dirt off the seals and still lube them at the same time.

During winter storage, pull the plugs and give them a shot of lube. They'll be like new in the spring.

 

[CaptRedbeard]

Good job on the successful rebuild.

I recommend using silicone lubricant over lithium on the plugs though as lithium will hold more dirt/contaminants. A can of silicone spray lube is fast and easy to give them a quick shot of lube every couple of weeks. And as it's thinner, it helps to rinse dirt off the seals and still lube them at the same time.

During winter storage, pull the plugs and give them a shot of lube. They'll be like new in the spring.

I'll keep that in mind and keep an eye on the buildup that might occur on the seals. The Super Lube is a silicone grease with added Teflon. The thought I agreed with was that the grease would hopefully be more long lasting than a silicone spray, but I've got a number of bottles of silicone spray around so I can always clean off the grease and switch to the spray if it proves to be an issue. Thanks!

 

[212s]

I'll keep that in mind and keep an eye on the buildup that might occur on the seals. The Super Lube is a silicone grease with added Teflon.

Ok I thought it was lithium based...nevermind.

The thought I agreed with was that the grease would hopefully be more long lasting than a silicone spray, but I've got a number of bottles of silicone spray around so I can always clean off the grease and switch to the spray if it proves to be an issue. Thanks!

If you keep to a thin layer it should be fine, and your water conditions will affect debris build-up. I like the spray because it's literally 2 seconds to lube each plug.