Installation of welch plug

[TRU-JACK]

After my first short run of the season, I noticed my welch plug had come loose and was being held on only with the decal. Is there any reason that this came loose, and how do I re-install a new one. Is there anything else I should do?
thanks

[David Ochs]

Okay, I give. What is a "Welch" plug? I've heard of a gland plug.

[MOP]

Anything like an Irish Cork? Or are you talking about the plug in the side of a Cobra?

[TRU-JACK]

It's about 1" circular plug located under the mercruiser sticker on the upper housing of the drive.

[MOP]

Thats question for the boys with Black!

[farmer tx]

Tru-Jack,
I think what you are seeing is a zinc anode
that has corrded and slipped out of the housing.
There is one on each side of the upper gear housing under the Merc. decal band.

Later,
Mark

[DOND]

TruJack, you are correct it is the welch plug. I do not think it is a good thing to be loose like that.It is a press fit. You can take a large center punch and tap it back in, it should collapse inward to form a tight seal. I have to do the same with mine. I also coat with some 3M 5200.
Don

[TRU-JACK]

Thanks Don. I bought a new one and tapped it in and used some sealant / gasket maker to make a good seal. I'm north of Toronto and we had a really cold winter and think it possibily expanded and contracted too much through the winter. Hopefully there isn't another reason it came loose. thanks again. wink