I have a slight problem. I was getting my boat ready for spring and two of the five blue wing nuts that release water from engine broke. One is near the water pump and I can get at no problem, but one below the engine on the cool fuel is hard to get at and I broke the wing part off and its all chewed up from me trying to get it off. They both leak and I need to get them fixed before I take the boat out. How can I get this broken chewed up one off that is below the engine. Its just getting more chewed up the more I try to remove it. Any ideas??

Those things are known to break when they get old... but the broken part usually comes out really easy. Last time I removed a broken one I just pushed a philips screwdriver in and it twisted right out. You can get a pack of new ones cheap enough, I would replace all of them if a couple are starting to go, cheap insurance,

Your best trick to remove blue plastic plug when both ears broken

ez-out

As Phragle said, screwdriver is easy way to get broken one out. I used to use a flat blade, but either would work. Go back with Hardin Marine SS plugs. You will not have to worry about them anymore. They actually cost about the same as the OEM blue plastic plugs.

https://www.hardin-marine.com/p-8107...8m2000874.aspx

When you get the plastic out here is a good replacement Hardin Marine - Stainless Steel Lifetime Series Sea Pump Drain Plugs - Mercruiser 22-806608A02 / 8M2000874 https://www.hardin-marine.com/p-8107...8m2000874.aspx

yes, the hardin stainless ones are great.

when i reinstall I put oil or spray silicone, or etc onto threads. The o-ring seals them, so don't tighten hard. They are not pipe threads !

I keep several on hand in case one feels tough starting to going in thus meaning threads are damaged. I have broken only 2 in almost 20 years.Last one,about 18 years ago.

Over tightening is why they end up breaking. And most of the time it is when trying to remove.

Put a little anti seize on if using the stainless plugs.