Stuck Cleanout Out Port (I searched) - 2018 242xe

[meegwell]

I am sure the correct answer is out there but with such a common question and so many model differences I gave up digging through results (after ice thing if it even applies to my boat).

Boat is at the marina in the water (no ramp there) - last outing I went through some very debris-filled water (unavoidable) and obviously sucked up something significant - likely big sticks but who knows it looked like stick/leaves heavy post-rain crap.

I could not get the cleanouts open (either side) on the water or at the dock.

I see that ice bath for an hour may work. Besides bringing a bag of ice down to the marina, what else - tool or something - should I bring with me as a backup?

Also - what if I can't unclear whatever it is? I need to get 10-12 miles to take the boat out which I planned on doing around now anyway. Realize this is a hard question but say it is a stick (I forget what side) is it ok to limp along to get to the ramp?

Thanks all..as usual!

 

[Zizzou 192]

Remove the water on top of the cleanout ports with a big squirt gun.

Apply Lubegard zero o ring unseizing lubricant to outside of seized o ring.

Remove plug using one hand.

 

[meegwell]

Remove the water on top of the cleanout ports with a big squirt gun.

Apply Lubegard zero o ring unseizing lubricant to outside of seized o ring.

Remove plug using one hand.

To be clear...while the plug is stuck inserted, use lubricant on the outside/top of it (around the edge obviously)?

 

[Seadeals]

True there are lots of threads/content on stuck plugs; but despite dealing with stuck plugs when got my boat, your situation just made me think of an idea I don’t recall elsewhere. I would take a broomstick and a loop of rope/parachord with me. Loop the paracord around the T handle on the plug and tie it into a loop with enough excess above the deck to slip the broomstick (or whatever) in so you can use it as a lever applying force through the chord. Put something under the broom handle end if concerned about sea deck on the swim platform. If debris is stuck you would get lots of cavitation and go nowhere slowly. I also don’t how that would make your plugs stick so they might have already been stuck all along.

 

[Zizzou 192]

To be clear...while the plug is stuck inserted, use lubricant on the outside/top of it (around the edge obviously)?

Yup.

I have used that lube and method to unstick the plug numerous times on the water. That lube has some unique properties.

Never got to try the other various methods. I’m sure they work, but I just picked the easiest way I could think of to solve the problem.

 

[seanmclean]

Once you get them out, if there is any resistance going back in, stop and order a rebuild kit. I had to rebuild one of mine (2017) last year, and will probably do the other next year.

 

[meegwell]

True there are lots of threads/content on stuck plugs; but despite dealing with stuck plugs when got my boat, your situation just made me think of an idea I don’t recall elsewhere. I would take a broomstick and a loop of rope/parachord with me. Loop the paracord around the T handle on the plug and tie it into a loop with enough excess above the deck to slip the broomstick (or whatever) in so you can use it as a lever applying force through the chord. Put something under the broom handle end if concerned about sea deck on the swim platform. If debris is stuck you would get lots of cavitation and go nowhere slowly. I also don’t how that would make your plugs stick so they might have already been stuck all along.

i think they were stuck they have given me hell in the past

 

[Scottintexas]

you've got the new style twist locks ??? can you twist at all and just not pull them up ?

 

[meegwell]

you've got the new style twist locks ??? can you twist at all and just not pull them up ?

Can't twist them. Don't know what style, 2018 242x-e OEM

 

[meegwell]

Yup.

I have used that lube and method to unstick the plug numerous times on the water. That lube has some unique properties.

Never got to try the other various methods. I’m sure they work, but I just picked the easiest way I could think of to solve the problem.

Is this found under pool and spa products?

 

[Scottintexas]

I've got the old style push button plugs,

I wonder if something like this water meter valve shutoff or similar would help, it would move your turning point up higher to allow you to get more leverage on the twist to move it to the "unlock" position,

https://www.amazon.com/Water-Meter-Key-Inch-Multi-Functional/dp/B0828PSHBK/ref=asc_df_B0828PSHBK/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=416649950061&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8222903867119226701&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027222&hvtargid=pla-871719951495&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=90730999381&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=416649950061&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8222903867119226701&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027222&hvtargid=pla-871719951495

 

[Ky2fl22]

Same situation here... Both of the plugs are stuck on my 2016 242SE. Off to try to ice method... Trying the Lubeguard next.

 

[84rzv500r]

when I got my boat the PO had seal the plugs with 5200.... had to strap the boat to the ground and use my 3 ton davit winch to get them out...

I replaced the plugs with new ones and bought a set of rebuild kits... just rebuilt the plugs after 6 years..

Leverage will be your friend... also sometimes tapping lightly back and forth on a broom stick with a hammer on the plug can rock it loose while applying extraction pressure...

 

[Zizzou 192]

Is this found under pool and spa products?

Lubegard Zer0 Pool and Spa Lubricant. Marketed to unstick O Rings from the outside of the joint in pools and spas. I’ve never used on the pool or spa yet, just boat. Got mine from the Amazon. Plenty of reviews on there explaining how it works to unstick plastic joints and rubber o rings from the outside without breaking stuff.

https://www.amazon.com/Lubegard-75200-Zer0-Pool-Lubricant/dp/B00KCCT17O/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=1MGKH2YDPDF54&keywords=lubegard+75200+zero+pool+and+spa+lubricant+-+8+oz&qid=1670562912&sprefix=lubegard+pool%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-1

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

Same situation here... Both of the plugs are stuck on my 2016 242SE. Off to try to ice method... Trying the Lubeguard next.

you have the push button blow out plugs he has the twist in plugs both should be cleaned and coated with either dielectric grease or bees wax NO solvents!

 

[zipper]

I found this to be better lasting than spray. I use it for the o ring seals in our pool and liked it a lot for the old style clean out plugs. You can get it just about anywhere.

Hayward SPX0327 Jack's Formula 1oz. 327 Multilube

The Hayward SPX0327 Jack's Formula 1oz. 327 Multilube is an excellent choice for your pool needs! Get yours today from Pool Warehouse!

www.poolwarehouse.com

 

[Cambo]

The 2018 has the twist out plugs Lube it up if it doesn’t release make something out of wood that can slip over the handle Like a big T shape this will give you plenty of leverage. After it’s removed take Scott brite pads and clean up the aluminum lip that the plug slips into. The aluminum starts to oxidize creating a rough surface that grabs on to the plug not allowing it to release. After the scotch brite lube it up as recommended above.

 

[Zizzou 192]

An interesting thing to think about here is how these o rings swell and get stuck in the first place. Basically by absorbing water and attracting grit which messes up the engineered clearance…which is why coating them with some kind of barrier substance periodically pervents the swelling and seizing.

 

[Weeb]

I made this tool out of a water shut off tool and I think 1 1/2 c channel. It’s nice when it’s cold out you don’t have to put you arm in the water on top of the plug, just turn and lift out with safety cord. I also carry a complete spare plug so I don’t have to rebuild it on the water, you can rebuild the bad one from the comfort of your home for the next spare.

 

[Weeb]

Remove the water on top of the cleanout ports with a big squirt gun.

Apply Lubegard zero o ring unseizing lubricant to outside of seized o ring.

Remove plug using one hand.

I use a pool lube also. Do you use this penatrating lube as a regular lubricant also? I don’t have any issues with the type I’m using but it would be easier to just carry one type on the boat in case of a stuck plug on the water.