- Apr 18, 2009
- 447
- Boat Info
- 2015 Sea Ray 270 SDX
- Engines
- 8.2 / Bravo 3
Interesting problem this weekend. I am cruising the lake and start hearing a squeaking from the engine compartment. When I stop to investigate, upon opening the hatch there is water spraying. Turns out that the little blue drain plug on the thermostat housing broke off (vibration?) and was discharging water all over the engine. Fortunately for me, water on the drive belt makes it squeal, or I might not have noticed until there was a real problem! If I kept the speed low, the volume was low enough that the bilge pump was able to keep up until I returned to my dock, about 3 miles away.
The knob off the plug was found in the bilge, but the threaded section was stuck in the thermostat housing. Real stuck. Upon talking to my local mechanic, I was able to get it out in pieces with a screwdriver, and then chased the threads with a 1/2" course tap to clean them out. The plastic from the plug was exceptionally brittle.
I replaced the plug with a new one, as well as replaced the lower plug for good measure. Boat ran fine the rest of the weekend!
Lessons learned...
Listen to you machinery. It takes to you when there is a problem.
When it comes to bilge pumps, bigger is better.
Just thought I would pass it on.
The knob off the plug was found in the bilge, but the threaded section was stuck in the thermostat housing. Real stuck. Upon talking to my local mechanic, I was able to get it out in pieces with a screwdriver, and then chased the threads with a 1/2" course tap to clean them out. The plastic from the plug was exceptionally brittle.
I replaced the plug with a new one, as well as replaced the lower plug for good measure. Boat ran fine the rest of the weekend!
Lessons learned...
Listen to you machinery. It takes to you when there is a problem.
When it comes to bilge pumps, bigger is better.
Just thought I would pass it on.