Cleanout tube slot discovery

[GTBRMC]

I cleaned my plugs and cleanout tubes Saturday.

I used a brass bristle brush (like a big toothbrush) to ensure there was no buildup in the tube slots where the plug tabs lock. I noticed by feel that both slots had something spongy & pliable partially covering the top surface of the tube slots. Using my fingertips, it feels like there is a bead of silicone that partially squeezed onto that surface at manufacture.

I have never had a full plug blowout, although I believe I had a partial release once last summer - the port plug was stuck/slightly wedged. I had to use the ice method and a lot of force to get it out.

Has anyone noticed any silicone in their tube slots? Could this be a contributor to launches?

Note: I do not have any fix (pins, locks, otherwise) in my plugs.

 

[txav8r]

Are you talking about the holes or slots that the dogs lock into @GTBRMC ? I have cleaned mine with a brass toothbrush too, and no, I have never notices any silicone in there.

 

[GTBRMC]

Are you talking about the holes or slots that the dogs lock into @GTBRMC ? I have cleaned mine with a brass toothbrush too, and no, I have never notices any silicone in there.

The slots machined into the metal portion of the tubes that the plug dogs lock into.

 

[txav8r]

That is what I thought you meant. No, on the 230, they were square 90 cuts machined into the aluminum neck with no silicone in there. I looked at them closely with lots of light and a mechanics mirror. I have not looked at the 240 that closely yet, but the new plugs fit "looser" and easier to install than the 230 ever was, even when new.

 

[GTBRMC]

That is what I thought you meant. No, on the 230, they were square 90 cuts machined into the aluminum neck with no silicone in there. I looked at them closely with lots of light and a mechanics mirror. I have not looked at the 240 that closely yet, but the new plugs fit "looser" and easier to install than the 230 ever was, even when new.

I will have to check them with my mirror, got interrupted Saturday, so I was unable to follow through. I did try to take a photo with my phone...wasn't clear enough to be useful.

 

[bucks448]

... but the new plugs fit "looser" and easier to install than the 230 ever was, even when new.

That's interesting, there's a thread on YJB about a plug redesign around 2012, but maybe the tube was changed - http://yamahajetboaters.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=63324
I also noticed my plug is fairly loose. I get quite a bit of water blowing by the seal, and was planning on doing a rebuild to see if that helps.

 

[GTBRMC]

OK, tried again and got some decent pix this time...



Port side plug, inboard slot - where I felt the silicone^



Same port, same slot, after I peeled the silicone out with my fingertip^
(Apologies for bad camera aim...not easy taking pix inside that tube!)



The silicone piece I pulled out^



Pieces pulled via fingertip out of the inboard slot, starboard cleanout tube^


Any theories why there was silicone in there?
I will say, my plugs do seem to lock in much more positively now that there is no squishy silicone in the way!

 

[buckbuck]

You have probably uncovered why some guys have plugs that blow out. Ill have to check mine closely.

 

[davel501]

The silicone seals the tube to the aluminum cleanout and a hose clamp goes around it. The tube is pointed down in the front so if you don't get it just right you pull up on it, turn it and push it back down to get it just right. The trick is you are supposed to clean up the excess silicone so nobody knows what you did.

 

[bucks448]

It's hard to tell, but it looks like the slots go all the way through the tube? Maybe silicone was added to make sure the rubber hose doesn't leak or come loose, even though there's a clamp, and some silicone came through from the backside.

 

[GTBRMC]

It's hard to tell, but it looks like the slots go all the way through the tube? Maybe silicone was added to make sure the rubber hose doesn't leak or come loose, even though there's a clamp, and some silicone came through from the backside.

I was thinking the same, but can't be sure. That's what it felt like by fingertip.

 

[bucks448]

@davel501 seems to have the answer, just before I posted.

 

[davel501]

@davel501 seems to have the answer, just before I posted.

Yep they go all the way through. I had my tubes out to disassemble my stuck plugs and replace my scupper last season.

 

[mark_m]

Somewhat related I had starboard side plug come partially out on the water Saturday. It was odd experience, at speed and then starboard motor instantly would die. I opened the hatch, re locked the plug and was on my way.

The port plug was stuck and didn't break free till tonight until after I filled the tube with ice, waited about 1 hr. Then I scooped out the ice, used a dockline and a broom handle with a 2x4 for leverage and popped out the plug.

No silicone noticed, just glad to have plugs out now, although the dealer said I should leave them in all the time. To be fair, could be best way in a saltwater application not sure.

 

[itsdgm]

It's funny that you posted this @GTBRMC I did notice the exact same silicone in my clean out tubes a few weeks ago. I believe that it's excess sealant from sealing the tube to the housing.

 

[txav8r]

Well it certainly is an overage in sealing the tubes to the neck and clean out tray. But why? Those slots that accept the dogs MUST be free of debris or silicone for that matter. I have not seen silicone in them before. Can you share if the boat is preowned or purchased new, and whether anyone else may have altered the tubes and plugs?

 

[Big Shasta]

Somewhat related I had starboard side plug come partially out on the water Saturday. It was odd experience, at speed and then starboard motor instantly would die. I opened the hatch, re locked the plug and was on my way.

The port plug was stuck and didn't break free till tonight until after I filled the tube with ice, waited about 1 hr. Then I scooped out the ice, used a dockline and a broom handle with a 2x4 for leverage and popped out the plug.

No silicone noticed, just glad to have plugs out now, although the dealer said I should leave them in all the time. To be fair, could be best way in a saltwater application not sure.

NO..DO NOT leave them in in saltwater...Mine were removed very seldom by the previous owner and I had to fight to get them out. Now I take them out after every trip and have no issues getting them out. You'd hate to need to get in there on the water and have them frozen in.

 

[GTBRMC]

Well it certainly is an overage in sealing the tubes to the neck and clean out tray. But why? Those slots that accept the dogs MUST be free of debris or silicone for that matter. I have not seen silicone in them before. Can you share if the boat is preowned or purchased new, and whether anyone else may have altered the tubes and plugs?

I am the first and only owner. It was manufactured in July 2007 and is a 2008 model that I bought in August 2009 as a leftover. I opened up the tray in 2010 when I ran my sonar cable, but did not mess with the tubes at all.

I have to believe it came like that from the factory.

 

[Glassman]

I'm sure the sealant is flying fast and furious during assembly at the boat making emporium! You'd think there would be a final inspection checklist to look for that...


...ARE YOU LISTENING YAMAHA? COULD BE THE SOURCE OF SOME OF THE BLOW OUTS THAT NEVER HAPPEN!

 

[mark_m]

NO..DO NOT leave them in in saltwater...Mine were removed very seldom by the previous owner and I had to fight to get them out. Now I take them out after every trip and have no issues getting them out. You'd hate to need to get in there on the water and have them frozen in.

Yep, totally agree. They are out of the tubes now. The plugs and I are happy!