Brass Drain Bushing

larry54 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-14-2011, 04:46 PM

Just sheared off Brass engine block drain bushing... Have tried extractors, no luck. Does anyone know the diameter and thread info on the brass bushing, so I can maybe buy a tap to carve out the brass left in block and then thread in new bushing. Part number 860088. Fits 1998 Sea ray 4.3l Carb version. Bushing uses the blue plastic drain plugs...

Thanks

Rickochet · #2 (**permalink**) 10-15-2011, 07:48 AM

The blue wing nut drain plugs are 1/2" -13 straight thread like on a bolt. The brass bushings that hold the blue wing nuts and are screwed into the block is a NPT pipe thread, 1/4" NPT maybe?

larry54 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-15-2011, 08:23 AM

Thanks,
Went down to local "real hardware store" yesterday evening with new brass bushing in hand. picked up 1/4" NPT -18 tap. Drilled practiced hole in scrap last night with 7/16 bit. Taped it and brass bushing plug fit perfect. Now for the hard part of slowly drilling out old brass left in block and retaping that hole. It is at such an awkward angle and place, looks like I will maybe have to shorten some drill bits and use my angle drill to get into the space. Engine is mercruiser 4.3l carb in 1998 sea ray 185br. Any pointers by all would be helpful?

Thanks

Rickochet · #4 (**permalink**) 10-15-2011, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larry54

Thanks,
Went down to local "real hardware store" yesterday evening with new brass bushing in hand. picked up 1/4" NPT -18 tap. Drilled practiced hole in scrap last night with 7/16 bit. Taped it and brass bushing plug fit perfect. Now for the hard part of slowly drilling out old brass left in block and retaping that hole. It is at such an awkward angle and place, looks like I will maybe have to shorten some drill bits and use my angle drill to get into the space. Engine is mercruiser 4.3l carb in 1998 sea ray 185br. Any pointers by all would be helpful?
Thanks

Good luck. The engineers that design this stuff have never had to contort their bodies to work on this stuff. I have two 5.0L EFI's in my boat and the block drain plugs are a royal PITA to remove the blue wing nut plugs and replace.

larry54 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-15-2011, 01:58 PM

Just got the old hole on starboard side of blocked drilled out with 7/16" bit, and after my back relaxes will try to tap the hole with 1/4 npt tap. I am wondering if anyone has ever used steel epoxy putty to plug up holes like this in engine block? I am considering trying it if I cannot retap and thread brass bushing into block. I will still have (2) riser/manifold drains and (1) on port side of engine block. Live in Florida panhandle, so getting most of water drained for winter should be enough around here?

boats.net · #6 (**permalink**) 10-18-2011, 10:05 AM

That could be an option, however I would be very cautious. Boat tind to have much vibration and you do not want a cunck of the epoxy to break off and run through your motor.