Clean out plugs

[Brian P]

I bought a rebuild kit for my 2016 Yamaha 242 (old dog ear style) bc the rubber had torn on the old ones. The new ones slide in like butter but hit bottom ever so slightly too early and won’t lock in place. I’ve taken them apart and redone them several times but it keeps hitting bottom about 1/32 inch too early and won’t lock. It’s like this on both sides and I’ve tried everything I can think of. Again they are sliding in super easy so it’s not a problem with that. It’s hitting the bottom and won’t go and lower. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. If anyone is in the Augusta GA area and thinks they can help I’d welcome in person or phone help too. Thanks in advance

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

Ok so you are pushing the t handle down after the plug is down in the hole and the locking dogs won't catch the recesses in the aluminum ring of the plug hole , perhaps the rubber gasket has an issue or the ring needs to be sanded and smoothed out I made a video showing the clean out plugs how they operate and how my EZ locks keep them from blowing out during use however if you can not get the plug to go down in the opening properly the ez locks won't help you but at least the video gives you some info on how the internal locking device operates./

you may also want to try lubricating the gasket with bees wax , never use any solvents or petroleum products on the gaskets. That can make them swell and the plugs hang up or not go down in the opening properly.

 

[biffdotorg]

One thing I figured out when I rebuilt mine, and also this spring when I was cleaning mine up was to not over tighten the screws that hold the rubber piece to the plug assembly.

To test, out of the boat, press down on the button until the ears lock, and then press the release button to release. I was finding that mine would not even go to the lock position with the plug in my hand. if you tighten those screws down, just a little too much, the mechanism in the plug will not slide into the locking position.

YMMV, but check this first. I was truly surprised, but it made sense once I figured out how the lock inside the plug works. The little bit of extra pressure from the screws did it. It makes sense when you realize you are compressing rubber.

Good luck,

 

[Brian P]

One thing I figured out when I rebuilt mine, and also this spring when I was cleaning mine up was to not over tighten the screws that hold the rubber piece to the plug assembly.

To test, out of the boat, press down on the button until the ears lock, and then press the release button to release. I was finding that mine would not even go to the lock position with the plug in my hand. if you tighten those screws down, just a little too much, the mechanism in the plug will not slide into the locking position.

YMMV, but check this first. I was truly surprised, but it made sense once I figured out how the lock inside the plug works. The little bit of extra pressure from the screws did it. It makes sense when you realize you are compressing rubber.

Good luck,

I’ll try this when I get home but i definitely tightened them a lot. I’ll keep you posted

 

[Brian P]

I checked the dog ears and they still worked despite being tight. I was able to get my pressure washer and clean the sealing surfaces of the ports and get them to lock in place. There didn’t appear to be any or much build up but I guess there was just enough to not let them seat properly. Thanks for all the help