Engine block water drains. 5.0L

[mperlst216]

I like to drain the water myself so I can use the boat several times during the winter. My challenge is I have a very tough time reaching/feeling the lower starboard plug. I would like to install a foot long rubber hose that is permanently attached to the drain so I can reach it to open and close the drain at the end of the hose. Kind of like the easy oil pan drain hose that some the Mercruiser engines have. Would that work? What parts do I need to attach into the water drain and what part for the end of the hose. Thanks.

 

[NorCal Boater]

I'd think you would need a brass thread (male)-to-barb fitting to go into the block the thread at whatever thread size you need, your length of hose and a barb-to-thread fitting to connect the valve. I think I would uses a small ball valve. I would stay away from plastic fittings.

Shawn

 

[Lazy Daze]

Sure, that can work. Just keep in mind that if (when) the hose gets clogged, it's going to be more of a bear to unclog it than it would be with the blue plug. Also keep in mind that draining by removing the plugs doesn't drain all of the water - there is still some in the intake manifold area. But that said... 3/8-16 pipe to barb, then terminate the hose any way you want to.

I know that starboard side is tight in your boat (I've been there, done that), but maybe using a special, custom tool would help? You ready for this "special" tool? Take a 1/2" deep socket, cut slits in it to fit over the ears of the blue plugs. Then get a stubby ratchet. It areas where it's hard to get a good grip on the blue plug, this makes it MUCH easier.

Another thought... do you have electric where the boat is? You could install a small bilge heater.