I have 8 of these, and often they break. This time 2 broke just by being installed, well before any resistance was felt. Luckily I could get both out again. Is this normal? Is there a better solution? Or are these considered wear parts that I should only use once? On ebay, are the $10 Mercruiser better than the others?

I assume that if one of the lower ones break while in the harbour, it'll sink?!

I get them at local dealer for $6, but sounds like your tightening too much. They have o-rings, so just snug up.

Sounds like your threads might be corroded. They shouldn't break that easy.

Thanks, I'll clean the threads, by Mercruiser branded plugs, and be more gentle.

BTW, how do I get a picture on my profile???

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/payments.php

Yea there probably worth replacing every once in a while, you don't need to crank them down, finger tight should be good

Ask anyone who winterizes alot of boats they will all break eventually. I would use new ones everyother year.

Yes I learned too they last a lot longer just finger snug. They do eventually break though.

You could go all brass

http://www.acehardware.com/product/i...631279.2631284

The brass ones will last for ever + no o rings to lose or break but you might have to tweak them with pliers to tighten or loosen them. Randy