Plugging top water pickup holes

[Mark]

What is the best way to plug the top holes on a stock Merc gearcase? Also what is the rule of thumb as to how many in relation to propshaft height?

[Mark]

What is the best way to plug the top holes on a stock Merc gearcase? Also what is the rule of thumb as to how many in relation to propshaft height?

[jkeiper]

Hey Mark;

Most just use stainless allen plugs and screw them in with red LocTite. The top two or three holes on each side is generally enough. I'm kinda anal about looks, so I always take some J B Weld and fill and sculpt it to match the original. When finished you would be hard pressed to tell that anything was done other than less holes. I'll post a photo.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v454/fastboat60/DSC_0014.jpg

Jim

[TCAT]

The best way on a merc is to buy these plates from mercury I have great water pressure all the at the top of my hydraulic plate. They are easy to install too.

17280A 2 Replaces the 8-hole insert on the Mercury / Mariner 2.0L, 2.4L, 2.5L and 3.0L outboards with 4 3/4" gearcases except the 225/250 (3.0L, 1994-1996).


832066A 1 Replaces the 5-hole insert on the Mercury / Mariner 225/250 (3.0L, 1994-1996) outboards.

Here is a link to mercury Canada I got them from a Merc dealer.
http://www.mercurypartsexpress.com/PartsExpress/ProductSelection/Accessories/getProductGroup.asp?CID=169164189060230059273&lvlOneKey=35&key=1383&level=3&store=Accessories

[Mark]

Will they work on a L/U like jkeiper's, where there is no actual insert but the holes are molded into the gearcase?

[TCAT]

HI Mark

They are really easy there are 2 inserts that go into 2 of the holes and you drill 1 hole. The kit comes complete and works really good.

Th bad thing I have ever heard was from a guy usinging it really grassy lakes and he said he plugged them up once.

[1985 eluder]

hey, i just looked at mt lower water holes and the middle is drilled bigger and has a little screw hole that has been drilled on top and bottom of the 8 holes. maybe some one had them on this motor. i wonder if i should put them back on. i have the jackplate set at 3.5 prop below pad and it seems to run warmer than it did set at 4.5 below pad.

[JW]

I plan on filling the top 4 holes on my XR2 gear case with the allen screws and not use a scoop. This will make my gearcase just like my XR6 gearcase. It only had 4 holes from the factory.

My question is, what size allen screws work in the stock mercury holes?

[1985 eluder]

are there any disadvantages with the scoops besides picking up debris. are they better than plugging holes or about the same?

[jkeiper]

JW;

8mm plugs work great.

1985 eluder:

I don't think it makes any difference which method you use. The way I do it is more work cause I use the J.B. Weld and sand and paint it. You can just screw in the plugs if you want or buy the scoops. It is your choice. They all work fine.

Jim

[merc245]

J&B weld works good also in repairing the nicks and gouches on your skag up to about the size of your thumb nail I've done.

[JW]

Thanks JKieper! I'll go lookin' for some SS 8mm allens this week.

[jgreen]

When I plugged mine, I couldnt find stainless ones any where, using other than that shouldnt pose a problem should it??

[JW]

I'd hate to have them rust and get small enough to slip inside the LU and get into the water pump works and mess up an expensive pump houseing..........

[jgreen]

Ever try to break red loctite out of anything aluminum?

[JW]

Yeah, I have. Pulling those little tiny screws out of the reed blocks on the Promax to change the fiber reeds...... http://checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/brickwall.gif

[jgreen]

I would have felt much better if your reply had a http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif instead of a http://checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/brickwall.gif.

[TCAT]

Guys these merc scoops are the way to go easy and simple to install inceadable water pressure at any hieght on the lift. I should of dusted it off before I took the pictures.
http://www.dyplex.com/products/P4120008.JPG http://www.dyplex.com/products/P4120010.JPG

[jgreen]

If I can get the plugs out of mine, that is what I am going to get.
After looking at the pics, I understand how it can get such good water pressure.
To use these, do I need to remove the plugs for any other reason other than to put stainless in ?

[JW]

That looks good, but you have to tap and drill two extra holes in the LU?

[TCAT]

It is really simple you put in the center plug and screw into the factory hole line it up drill two holes that go into the water pick up area can't make a mistake and drill into the gear case. Then you can tap the holes if you want but the screws in the kit are self taping. I did tap the holes but you don't have to.

Whole lot easier than epoxy sanding and painting.

[JW]

Think I'll order me a set.

[1985 eluder]

those plates look good, i just ordered a set for my 200 black max.

[TCAT]

1985 Eluder it sounds to me like they were on your engine and someone took them off. You should just be able to bolt them on. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/thumb.gif

[1985 eluder]

you are right, thanks for your pics. that verifys that they were on my engine before. i have 2 little holes and my center is drilled a little bigger. rather than buy a lower nosecone i am going to put them back on.

[JW]

Now I just have to figure out the cheapest place to order them. I checked all 6 dealers close to me per the Parts Express web site, the lowest price there was $33.05. Seems kinda steep for a pair of plastic pieces and a few screws! Bet I can find them for closer to $15.........................

[TCAT]

Hey JW

I hear you on the price. They are a very rare and expensive aluminum, that's why the cost so much LOL http://checkmate-boats.com/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[illMATTic]

my gearcase came with a hodge podge nosecone on it. the low water pick up wasnt even hooked up. im gonna take it off an get a set of these.

[1985 eluder]

hey, question for T-CAT, i just put mine on. when looking at the plates from the rear of the motor, should there be any gap between the plate and the lower unit once all 3 screws are tight?

[illMATTic]

i wouldnt think there should be. maybe you have to tweek the scoop a bit.

[TCAT]

Yes there is a gap at the back not as wide as the front but there is a gap. Don't worry these things are great http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[jonnyspeed]

Digging up an old thread here....

Does anyone know if these scoops could be made to work on a JohnnyRude ?

I would like something simillar for my GT175.

[Acer2428]

Where did you guys end up getting them?