Cleanout Plugs Stuck 2017 AR240 - Help!

[Pure MI Boater]

I’m having a very tough time removing the port side cleanout plug on my 2017 AR240. After cranking on the starboard plug for a minute i was able to get the handle turned & got it out - but the port side won’t budge.

The main issue is I CAN’T get the handle turned to see if I can get it out. I already coated with WD40 and let it sit overnight to no avail.

Any ideas - HELP!

 

[tdonoughue]

Your profile says a 2012 SX190, but you mention a 2017 AR240 above. I believe that the 2107 have the twist plugs, then?

One hint I have seen (haven't tried it myself) is to put some ice down there to cool the plug (shrink it a little) to try to get it out. Once you get it out, check for obstructions. Put some pool gasket seal lube on it, at least. At most, you may need to see if there is a rebuild kit for those types of plugs.

Are you in salt or fresh water?

 

[Pure MI Boater]

I’m in fresh water - the boat is brand new to us, so still feeling everything out.

 

[tdonoughue]

Well, I guess if I had paid attention to your user name...

Ok, good. Unlikely a 2017 on fresh water needs a rebuild. My bet would be that you may have something foreign stuck in the plug thread (weed, twig, small child...) or that you are just stuck because the rubber is getting sticky.

Get you some of this stuff: Amazon.com : 4oz Lube Tube - Pool Gasket Lubricant : Swimming Pool Pump Parts : Garden & Outdoor

 

[Pure MI Boater]

Just bought it - must have read your mind!

i was thinking about using a rope / 2x4 to get some more leverage to get it turned - any other tricks come to mind?

 

[tdonoughue]

Two 2x4s and 2 C clamps. Clamp the top of the wood and the bottom put on either side of the handle. Add the second clamp further down. Then you can turn the boards or add another big T handle at the top with another 2x4 and clamp.

I would try the ice first, tho.

 

[YamahaziPilot]

I replied on another post, I popped the ones on my 2007 SX 230 with a piece of wood and a ratchet strap when they were being difficult. Definitely rebuild and grease them.

 

[tdonoughue]

2007 have lift out plugs. I believe his are the newer twist out ones...

 

[Pure MI Boater]

FINALLY GOT IT. Put on ice for about 3-4hrs & tried again with no luck. I took a 2x4 and cut it to make 2 side pieces to fit on either side of the handle & connected up to a handle (see photo). With a little jostling and a lot of force it FINALLY gave. Hopefully helpful to anyone else with these new plugs that won't turn (let alone won't come up vertically). Will be leaving them out, putting on silicone after each outing (and probably replacing the seal that looked a bit dried out). Thanks everyone!

 

[tdonoughue]

I started with putting the seal lube on every outing. Now I have reduced that to a few times a year. Look and see how the seal is and you may find yourself reducing the application over time.

Congrats on getting that puppy released!

 

[kevalbanya]

I started with putting the seal lube on every outing. Now I have reduced that to a few times a year. Look and see how the seal is and you may find yourself reducing the application over time.

Congrats on getting that puppy released!

Would you mind telling me what lubricant you use? Does the below one work?

https://www.amazon.com/CRC-Heavy-Du...1617856935&sprefix=silicone+lu,aps,167&sr=8-4

 

[motomandan]

The best there is! O-Ring Silicone Grease | Super Lube
Always remove your plugs when out of the water

 

[kevalbanya]

The best there is! O-Ring Silicone Grease | Super Lube
Always remove your plugs when out of the water

Thank you so much...

 

[YamPat]

Like this one (not mine) but with the same "romantic" red wine ? interior!!!!

 

[tdonoughue]

I use this stuff:

https://smile.amazon.com/4oz-Lube-Tube-Gasket-Lubricant/dp/B004VTGL9A/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=pool+silicone+lubricant&qid=1618530766&sr=8-3

Get it at the local pool store...

 

[drewkaree]

I know this is long since solved, but I never saw this mentioned, push down while turning the plug.

Having taken these apart, as well as getting a nice up-close look at these things after taking off my cleanout tray for an unrelated reason, there's very little metal-to-metal contact, the plug "ears" certainly seem to be a softer metal than the cylinder they slide into, and there's WAY more leverage to be had with the newer design of these plugs.

I'm guessing with that makeshift handle, some downward force was applied while turning.

To the OP, what did the plugs look like when you finally got them out? What looked to be the problem?