Bronze Garboard Drain Plug Leaking - What should I do?

[Bruce]

I ran a water hose into the bilge to check my scupper valve install for leaks this afternoon.

I am glad to report that the scupper valve is well sealed.

But I found that the bronze drain plug is slowly leaking between the threads. I tightened it with a wrench before adding water to the bilge. I can not see it leaking but I can feel moisture on it. I am going to leave the water in there for a day or two and see how much leaks out. I have a plastic tub below to catch the water.

I know that my 2007 SX 230 was one of the models that had issues with the factory drain plug. I believe the bronze drain plug was installed as a fix to the issue with the factory model.

I do not like the bronze drain plug because it requires a wrench to install and remove.

I see my options as replacing the drain plug and mount with something new, perhaps the stainless steel part used on the current boats, replacing the bronze drain plug with another bronze drain plug using the same mount or using thread tape when I install the drain plug.

What do you guys recommend?

 

[jawsf16]

Until you decide on a replacement, I would wrap the plug with Teflon tape. It will help seal it up. The new drain on the 240s is very convenient.

 

[ToddW850]

Until you decide on a replacement, I would wrap the plug with Teflon tape. It will help seal it up. The new drain on the 240s is very convenient.

X2. That's exactly what I was going to suggest. It's less than a dollar for a roll. My roll says "PTFE Thread Seal Tape." It's white and stretches for a tight fit around the threads.

 

[Bruce]

I have thread tape and will use it if she makes it into the water before I replace all or part of the drain plug.

My biggest concern in installing a new drain plug mount is that I believe the bronze one may have been installed with something like 3M 5200. So getting it off could be difficult. But I would love to have an easy to use drain plug.

 

[Bruce]

I tried tightening the plug further but it continues to drip slowly

 

[ToddW850]

That's understandable. However, if the leak is as small as you're describing (and if it was my boat), I'd go with the thread tape, versus fighting off the 5200. Again, that's if it was my boat, because there is no water pressure or anything there, so it should hold up fine. I've used that stuff on the water hose at the house and no leaks. Good luck.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

I doubt Yamaha bothered using 3M 5200 but it is possible. Your plug looks a little different than mine, sometimes I've seen rubber o-rings inside the drain housing that the plug will snug up against. When possible shine a light up there and see if there is a groove that holds an o-ring or a torn o-ring.

 

[Bruce]

I believe the previous owner replaced the plastic factory drain plug with this bronze one. Hopefully he will be able to tell me if he used anything permanent.

I will check for O rings after a 24 hour leak test for the new scupper. It is pipe threaded and requires a wrench to install or remove.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

If someone replaced this before I would question if that is the proper plug. Thread size can vary and would explain a slow leak.

 

[Bruce]

I believe the plug and fitting were replaced at the same time .

 

[Lspeedss]

@Bruce I have 2007 AR230. Bought it new..My main bilge drain plug and socket fixture were/ are brass..from day 1. I'm sure it is proper for all of the 23 ft boats of the period. 21 ft boats had a plastic hand tightening plug I believe..maybe those folks can sound off.
Anyway..before you replace the socket try spending $3.50 on a new brass screw in plug 3/4". You can pick them up most everywhere that sells any boat stuff.I keep two extras on the boat at all times.. just in case I lose one, BTW. They make these pipe fitted plugs a little softer than the socket.. they ( the plug) can wear out. The secret is to not over tighten these..this will stretch your threads on the plug and socket and cause a leak. Should need no more than an appropriate 10 ft lb of torque.. estimated.

 

[maboat]

I agree with @Lspeedss and believe all the 230's came from the factory with brass garboard drain plugs. Your picture looks pretty much the same as mine did from the factory (except for the drip). Mine was factory installed with easy-to-remove silicone. I replaced it with this brass garboard one-way drain in case I ever lost the plug. Holes matched the original exactly. Nice thing is its still brass (not plastic) and don't need a wrench to remove it.

 

[Wayloncle]

That looks just like mine on my '09. It is a pain to have to have a wrench every time going in the water and back out.

 

[Gym]

@Bruce. before taking your drain out try sealing the three screws from the inside of the bilge. That's where mine was dripping from. I also thought it was the plug but it was actually the two lower screws. I sealed them from the inside with life caulk. You can prove it by Teflon taping the plug. If the leak stops it's the plug, if not it's the screws or the fitting.

 

[txav8r]

The guys are giving you the straight poop @Bruce . The brass plug is better than the new plastic ones IMO. I can cure your wrench issues too...Just do this when you get the new brass plug!

I drilled an 1/8" hole across the square drive and drove in a 2" piece of 1/8" stainless steel welding rod. Instant finger wrench! Not possible to over tighten and easy to remove with no wrench.

 

[Lawson2479]

My 07 was bought new and also is brass. I use a wrench that is made for the plug it is magnetic and sticks to the trailer right below the plug. It is very handy and after about 5 seasons or so it is still there. I bought it at West Marine and it didn't cost much. maybe $10.

 

[Bruce]

Thanks guys, you have me convinced that the plug is factory.

I thought the previous owner told me he changed it.

 

[Zeus2013]

If it continues to leak you can use the teflon paste thread sealant. It does not harden and will stop small leaks.

 

[Wayloncle]

Thanks guys, you have me convinced that the plug is factory.

I thought the previous owner told me he changed it.

Maybe he swapped it out with a factory one for some reason.

 

[Glassman]

If it's the screws, remove them and shoot some 5200 in there and replace them. If it's the threads leaking around the plug, appropriately enough - JET LUBE makes a great sealing compound.
Brush it on and re install the plug.