Clean out plug came out again

[haknslash]

Well it did pop out once like I mentioned earlier so perhaps there is a small bend causing it to not line up properly. In any case it just seems like why not try a pin with stronger metal, possibly easier to install/remove and see how it goes? You can get them in 3/16" diameter so that's not much larger than the existing 1/8" diameter hole you have to drill for the EZ lock. There is plenty of metal material still there to not weaken the arm IMO. I measured the width across the cleanout port area and I would need a 1 1/2" grip length for the pin so that is standard parts bin and will be readily available anywhere. I'm going to try and see it I can make it fit which I think is possible. Just wanted to try something different and share my thoughts on my experience.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

The ez lock is formed in a machine and the ends can be bent back if one is crooked, if you accidently break it just send it back and I will replace it for you. I designed these years ago to do away with the expensive purple plug fix that required a socket wrench to install and remove plus it was very difficult to do the initial installation also the factory parts were removed so the factory warranty on the plug was compromised. The other one was the pin fix what you are suggesting, that was a horror story installing and removing plus it uses a large hole I believe the pin is 3/16 mine are 1/8.
You also may have drilled the hole crooked but usually when the parts release and try to blow out the plug it cams the moving parts against the ez lock ends and they prevent the plug from blowing out , when you try to remove the lock and it is stuck it is actually letting you know it did it's job and stopped a blow out . Then you must release the pressure on it so you can release it. What you are doing has already been done and there are many comments on those on the old board.

 

[txav8r]

It will be dang near impossible to install down in the hole. But we look forward to your report back. Is there any way you can find a pin the same diameter as the locks? Because if you drill them larger, you may open a can of worms and not have any alternative.

 

[txav8r]

Jeff, @Cobra Jet Steering LLC , I think what has happened to his locks, is a previous blowout has bent them. So he is having trouble freeing one side or another, when he is trying to remove them.

 

[haknslash]

I think the other part of my problem that makes it difficult to install is the fact I'm left handed. When i have the lock squeezed in my hand and reach down in the manhole I always end up touching the top of the release handle which doesn't allow the EZ lock to go down far enough. So what I had]ve to do I use my right hand so I can squeeze and manuaver past the release handle, once the legs of the lock are around the area with the hole I then use my left hand to align the legs in the hole. I know it sounds crazy but being left handed it's just how it' is for me personally. Kind of wished the lock was a little longer maybe that would give me more room to use my left hand comfortably. I guess I could always drill another hole on the other side of the cleanout plug and see if that helps make it easier for me. Hindsight is always 20/20 lol. I have my hole drilled on the starboard side if locking down from the rear.

 

[Big Shasta]

Absolutely rinse everything in the engine bay with fresh water. Also a good spray of boeshield T-9. I rinsed and coated mine a couple times a year. Salt air is getting in the engine bay even if water isn't.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

So if I understand you correctly YOU ARE INSTALLING THE LOCK AFTER PLACING THE PLUG IN THE HOLE!!!

ALL CAPS it's an EZ lock you install it on the plug BEFORE installing it in the hole. It is now in stage 1 ,after you press the T handle down you move the top of the lock a bit and make sure it closes, you now have it in stage 2 lock mode, never install the ez lock after installing the plug. either hand should not matter

 

[txav8r]

I think the other part of my problem that makes it difficult to install is the fact I'm left handed. When i have the lock squeezed in my hand and reach down in the manhole I always end up touching the top of the release handle which doesn't allow the EZ lock to go down far enough. So what I had]ve to do I use my right hand so I can squeeze and manuaver past the release handle, once the legs of the lock are around the area with the hole I then use my left hand to align the legs in the hole. I know it sounds crazy but being left handed it's just how it' is for me personally. Kind of wished the lock was a little longer maybe that would give me more room to use my left hand comfortably. I guess I could always drill another hole on the other side of the cleanout plug and see if that helps make it easier for me. Hindsight is always 20/20 lol. I have my hole drilled on the starboard side if locking down from the rear.

Did you know that you can install these while unlocked, sitting in your lap, outside of the hole, and in plain sight? Then you put them in the hole and press the t handle to lock.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

I guess we both realized what he is doing wrong at the same time haaa. On that note if you do not install the lock on the plug before installing it you are taking a big chance of it not being locked in the first place and as you push down on the t handle the ends of the lock align with the holes and click in place usually quite easily, placing the lock on after the plug is in the hole is the usual cause of the lock not being in stage 2 lock mode and thus it can fail.

 

[txav8r]

We need a video of the "correct" way to install the plug, because it is EZ, FAILSAFE, and give positive verification that the plug is locked. And @haknslash , don't feel bad about this...about 5 years ago or more, I too was doing exactly what you were doing. Some good member, pointed out how EZ it was and why it wasn't EZ for me. So we all live and learn...you will be much more impressed why you try it this way.

 

[haknslash]

I think you guys may have missed where I said I used to install them like that. I did that up until the day I had the plug come out after leaving the dock. Even since then I manually put them into the lock after I've already secured the plug in the hole.

 

[haknslash]

Here are pics of the ends of my EZ lock. They don't look bent to me but I did notice one leg seemed slightly longer formed than the other. This could be my issue I suppose as it could be "dragging" when I squeeze to release. I checked my drilled hole and it's straight.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

Yea I believe the video at the back of the 19 foot boat covers all that but a lot of people miss it so I guess I need to try to explain it on a new video Oh I just hate doing videos. It's so much EZer to do it with the lock on the plug before installing it in the boat That was the big benefit over the pin fix beside the hole size was people having problems installing the pin down in the hole with huge needle nose pliers .
As for your lock they all have float room if you move the round part you will see the ends float to different heights, trust me on this, place the lock on the plug with the t handle up when you push the t handle down one end will catch first then the other end may need you to wiggle the lock just a bit to align it but it will click closed you can look down inside the opening and actually see the two ends touching . Now your plug is locked.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

As for releasing the lock try pushing down firmly on the T handle before removing the lock that should release any pressure being placed on the ends. If all else fails try a little grease on the lock ends

 

[haknslash]

I do push down on the handle to make sure there isn't any pressure but it doesn't seem to make it come out easier (shrugs). I am going to drill another hole on the other side of the plug as that will allow me to use my left hand which should make things easier. Adding some grease to the ends isn't a bad idea either.

 

[txav8r]

@haknslash , looking at your picture #2, see how the ends of the two pins don't line up? That is why one is binding just a tad. I don't know which it is, but one is off of the 90 degree angle it should be. If you were to tweak that back straight, my bet is that it doesn't hang up as bad. This is some pretty stout stainless, and it doesn't bend easy. But if you have a plug blowout, and the cam releases, it pinches the EZ locks and could cause a rough edge or even bend it a tad. This is an EZ fix, but you may need to play with it a little to see what is what. And the good news, you don't have to have the plug in the hole to see it lock and unlock, or to see what is dragging when you try to remove it. Just do this with the plug on the swim deck, in your lap, or disconnect the lanyard and take it inside. You can fix this.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

Ok try that and let me know how it works out.

 

[NewBoater]

Am I using my Cobra locks wrong?

I put the Plug in and get it all the way in down flush and then lock the plug by pushing the button. Then once the plug is locked I install the Cobra Ez locks.

Am I doing this wrong?

 

[Scottintexas]

@NewBoater
I find it easier while the plug is out and unlocked to insert
the locks into the outer holes
Install and lock the plug and locks should slide thru the inner holes or gently wiggle them to set them in place

You should be able to look down and see the ends of lock touching

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

YES the lock goes on the plug with the T handle up BEFORE the plug is placed in the hole then the T handle is pushed down engaging the locking dogs of the plug and the lock closes completely and you can see the ends closed together as they are visible from the top looking down the hole