Plugs <what to lube them with?>

[Ronald]

So whats the latest and greatest to lube the clean out plugs..2014 242 ls

 

[Scottintexas]

I remove them after use and don't use any

Others use pool gasket lubricant
If you use search you'll find some

 

[drewkaree]

They make a KY for him AND her now! Wat?

 

[Gym]

I also use nothing as I feel any lubricant will attract dirt. I just keep the plug skirt and metal tube clean.

 

[sunbyrned]

I pour just a little water over each gasket and it works like a charm. One water bottle gets me about three launches.

 

[captras]

I use a silicone spray too keep things from drying out.

 

[W3bexec]

I use CRC silicone spray and it does pick up some dirt like Gym said. Still using it regularly but I need to wipe the dirt off now and then.

 

[Liveto99]

Keep it clean and stick it in dry

 

[Zizzou 192]

Definitely clean and dry is the way to go. BUT...if you keep you boat in the water in a dirty or weedy lake and keep the plugs locked in place in the clean out tube while the boat is left in the wet slip like the manual says, the plugs will eventually swell and get stuck in the tube or swell enough so it is extremely difficult to get them back in while bobbing around in the middle of a busy lake. Ask me how I know. Since I do not carry around a 00-16 plug rebuild kit, and have no intention in cleaning the plug, gasket, pvc tube, aluminum seat, or metal dogs before and after every outing, I use pool lube now. Lubegard Zer0 had reviews on Amazon that said it repels dirt, and I can confirm from use that it does, however improbable that may seem. It is rather thin and seems to last for about a month or so. Allegedly it can be applied on the outside of the seized o ring joint to ring but I have not had the opportunity to attempt that ninja move yet. Can confirm it definitely shrinks a swollen o ring when applied directly to it. This year the boat is parked on a very clean lake so using the Lubegard Zer0 is probably completely unnecessary, but it is going on the plug and staying in the boat toolkit anyway.

 

[Noko]

I use silicone spray at the start and end of the season. I take the plugs out every day when we are done.

 

[MidnightRider]

I use this on my clean out plugs and on my drain plug O-ring every outing. I keep a tube and a rag in my clean out tray area and lube everything up before I put the plugs in at the landing. I've been very happy with the results.

Amazon.com : 4oz Lube Tube - Pool Gasket Lubricant : Swimming Pool Pump Parts : Gateway

Amazon.com : 4oz Lube Tube - Pool Gasket Lubricant : Swimming Pool Pump Parts : Gateway

www.amazon.com

 

[Julian]

This is what Yamaha says on the subject (does not apply to the new twist in caps from 2017+):

 

[tdonoughue]

You may tally me into the silicone pool gasket lube camp. A thin film of it goes a long way. And I have not had any dirt issues.

That said, I think the most important point is that they should be removed when out of the water. I leave my hatch open and them sitting on the back deck. That way I can't even try to start the engines without putting them in. Not that that has ever happened...

 

[jjmparsons]

I go with a light coat of silicone spray myself. Plugs always pulled after every outing and wiped down after use and if needed, prior to install as well. Rarely do I find a large amount of dirt/ debris on the plugs due to the silicone spray but even if so, its easy enough to wipe off.

 

[S1LV3R4D0]

This is what Yamaha says on the subject (does not apply to the new twist in caps from 2017+):

Julian, is there anything special that needs to be done to 2017+ Cleanout plugs maintenance wise?

 

[Julian]

Julian, is there anything special that needs to be done to 2017+ Cleanout plugs maintenance wise?

I would say the primary thing you want to do is the same as the older ones....rinse them with fresh water after each use (use saltaway if in salt water) and leave them out to dry. Leaving them locked in for prolonged periods will only risk them getting stuck with mineral/salt deposits. Cleaning them periodically would be a good idea as well, especially the parts that engaged in the locking mechanism.

 

[Matt Phillips]

I put a little spray silicone grease on them as needed. I also leave my boat in the lake all summer and between trips, I take them out and lay them across the top of the tubes. I figure is someone wants to steal the boat and hot wire it, they likely wouldn't know about the tubes and not having those plugs would greatly slow their fast getaway!

 

[markanovelli]

Definitely clean and dry is the way to go. BUT...if you keep you boat in the water in a dirty or weedy lake and keep the plugs locked in place in the clean out tube while the boat is left in the wet slip like the manual says, the plugs will eventually swell and get stuck in the tube or swell enough so it is extremely difficult to get them back in while bobbing around in the middle of a busy lake. Ask me how I know. Since I do not carry around a 00-16 plug rebuild kit, and have no intention in cleaning the plug, gasket, pvc tube, aluminum seat, or metal dogs before and after every outing, I use pool lube now. Lubegard Zer0 had reviews on Amazon that said it repels dirt, and I can confirm from use that it does, however improbable that may seem. It is rather thin and seems to last for about a month or so. Allegedly it can be applied on the outside of the seized o ring joint to ring but I have not had the opportunity to attempt that ninja move yet. Can confirm it definitely shrinks a swollen o ring when applied directly to it. This year the boat is parked on a very clean lake so using the Lubegard Zer0 is probably completely unnecessary, but it is going on the plug and staying in the boat toolkit anyway.

Zizzou, your post is 5 years old but is still valuable and timely for me. I just put in my cart your recommended Lubegard Zer0. Thanks for the great and well detailed tip. I don’t think going dry and taking them in and out every time will work after a number of years as sooner or later they’re going to get dirty and stuck regardless of how clean and diligent you are-at some point your going to be in a hurry and leave them in and forget that you did. Anyway, thanks again.

 

[F.M.]

I picked up a tube of faucet grease at Home Depot.

Home Depot Faucet Grease

A little goes a long way. Just spread a thin layer around the seals every couple of outings when you’re pulling the plugs. Used it for years with no dirt build up at all on my previous boat. One little tube lasted me 2.5 years.

 

[Madman]

Keep it clean and stick it in dry