Torque spec for lower unit drain plugs?

[CDN GT]

This must be an odd question as I can't really seem to find any information out there. I just replaced the drive oil in my IMCO SCX with SC lower. I picked up new Mercury blue drain plug gaskets but I can't find any information on the proper tightness/torque on the drain plugs. I don't want to over torque them as not to distort the gasket seals but don't want them to loose that they cause issues. I did find some info out there. I saw something floating around on the web about 7 Ft/Lbs or 85 Inch/Lbs. I probably will call IMCO but I thought I'd check out and see what the opinions are here first.

 

[Dalton]

Isn’t it a flathead? Only once have i worked on something where you torqued a flathead


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

Just hand tight as much as you can without f'ing up the screw head. Double check them after first run.

 

[CDN GT]

 

[CDN GT]

It takes a 3/8 socket. I know the ones that you are referring to tho

 

[McKay]

Gutentite

 

[CDN GT]

Gutentite

Haha yep that appears to be the standard. I spoke with IMCO and they mentioned there isn't a torque spec. Basically tighten til snug.

 

[obnoxious001]

Haha yep that appears to be the standard. I spoke with IMCO and they mentioned there isn't a torque spec. Basically tighten til snug.

What size is the plug? Guess it must be stainless. You can look up universal torque specs to get some idea.

 

[HitIt]

I tighten mine to "a smidge".

 

[CDN GT]

What size is the plug? Guess it must be stainless. You can look up universal torque specs to get some idea.

I would suspect that it is stainless. It is a 3/8-16. Good point regarding a universal torque spec. The only thing that might be odd is the addition of the dealing gasket.

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

If you go too tight you will tear up the little blue washer. You can get a 12 pack of the things on Amazon for cheap, I change them with each oil change and with an outboard thats pretty often.

 

[CDN GT]

If you go too tight you will tear up the little blue washer. You can get a 12 pack of the things on Amazon for cheap, I change them with each oil change and with an outboard thats pretty often.

Exactly - That was my concern as I know that too tight can cause more harm by damaging the blue washer. I really appreciate the insight everyone. I will snug them up and just do a check on them after a couple of runs to male sure everything is A-Okay.

 

[Fun Times]

From bravo drive service manual #28... 40 inch-pound to foot pounds = 3.33333 foot pounds.
Convert inch-pound to foot pounds - Conversion of Measurement Units (convertunits.com)

Bravo One Gear Housing Specifications - Mercury BRAVO Service Manual [Page 174] | ManualsLib
Drive Shaft Housing Specifications - Mercury BRAVO Service Manual [Page 104] | ManualsLib

 

[CDN GT]

Great find and info. This helps immensely. Appreciate the time you put into finding the document

 

[Racey]

What size is the plug? Guess it must be stainless. You can look up universal torque specs to get some idea.

A2-86 fastener into aluminum, just snug, basically the same torque as the flat blade screw driver would be. If you are using a ratchet choke all the way up with your hand around the spindle, and snug tight, don't use leverage on the arm.

 

[Teague_JR]

This must be an odd question as I can't really seem to find any information out there. I just replaced the drive oil in my IMCO SCX with SC lower. I picked up new Mercury blue drain plug gaskets but I can't find any information on the proper tightness/torque on the drain plugs. I don't want to over torque them as not to distort the gasket seals but don't want them to loose that they cause issues. I did find some info out there. I saw something floating around on the web about 7 Ft/Lbs or 85 Inch/Lbs. I probably will call IMCO but I thought I'd check out and see what the opinions are here first.

the later model yellow gaskets are reinforced. Imco uses nylon. You can safely get them a lot tighter. The blue ones smash and tear, I wouldnt use them on high performance stuff....