Leaking drain bolts on engine block on 99 Epic direct drive

[flathead]

Hello Everyone,

After dewinterizing I can't seem to tighten  the two engine block drain bolts(the brass ones)on each side enough to prevent water dripping from the drain spouts above the bolts. I have tried wrapping the bolt with Teflon tape to no avail.  If I can't get new bolts is there any problem with permanently closing off the spouts with marine epoxy? I remove the bolts completely to drain the block so I can't see any advantage to leaving the spouts open.

As far as new bolts can I use any brass bolts of same thread and length?

Thanks!

[denver]

try taking them out and cleaning the threads really well as well as the tapered end opposite of the hex.  The tape is actually making the situation worse for you.  The plug does not seal on the thread, it seals against the tapered part of the plug/bolt so your tape is cause the threads to tighten up to early and the bolt/plug is not sealing against the tapered surface.  Mine had a lot of dirt and deposits of sorts on the threads... I cleaned the brass bolt/plug really well with a soft wire brush on a drill and also cleaned the port on the engine block as much as I could.... No leaks. 

[westtx]

I replaced the starboard seacock on mine this year -- Capt. Rick has them in stock for both sides. Try all of the other fixes first, though -- its a bitch to get to and get a grip on. If you're going to replace the whole seacock, cut the drain off first. That makes it a lot easier to get a wrench around.

[Wet-N-Frugal]

With a similar issue years ago, i replace both as well. I purchase two cheap sockets (to fit the different size drain cocks) and modified them as to accommodate the drain tubes/pipe nipple; see pic. Handy for extraction, but even more valuable for reinsertion.

VERY IMPORTANT: On the Port side of the Block you'll find the Oil Cooler (Oil filter is attached to it). On my X22 the Oil Cooler water jacket is drained via a hose into the Drain plug. The pipe nipple on the drain plug was pointing aft, away from the Oil Cooler. Over time the tight radius making a U-turn in the hose, kinked and pinched shut. Thus sediment was pulled into the Oil Cooler and never allowed to drain. Eventually it plugged solid, and I had to replace the Oil Cooler. THEREFORE, when I replaced the drain plug, I made sure to point the water hose nipple forward and cut the hose to the proper length.

-WNF-

[westtx]

Very creative WNF! You should rent those things out!

[Wet-N-Frugal]

They're just sitting here collecting dust... so rent is not needed.  I'll loan them out as favor; to those who'll cover the round trip shipping.