I have a 2008 H180 that I've owned for a year, it has the Volvo-Penta Stern Drive 3.0 GL/SX 135 hp engine.
This last fall I added stabil and put it into my attached garage which never freezes. Well Michigan had a record breaking winter and I did have some insecticide freeze in the garage, thought that was it.
Took the boat out for the first time and water is gushing into the engine compartment. Turns out two of the freeze plugs blew out. I found one of them below the engine in the bilge, and I'm sure the other is there too. I also found what appears to be a plug but I can't identify it.
If you are on facebook please review this original video we posted to ask friends what is going on (were told it was "freeze plugs") and see the picture of the other plug in a comment: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10154194175140500 (note - turn volume down)
1. Is there a trick to replacing the freeze plugs? Watching some youtube videos it appears you put some gasket goo on the edge and tap them into place. Tricky location but I should be able to do it.
2. Someone recommended that I use the kind of freeze plug that is rubber and expandable. Put it into place and turn the nut to make it fit tight, much easier to install. But my concern is does that eliminate the functionality? Will they still pop out if I have another freeze situation in the future?
3. What is the little plug in the picture and where does it go? Or is it the top to a dip stick or something?
4. I did run the engine before I realized the engine had water pouring out of it. Is there other damage I should look for or have a shop look for? Or just put in new freeze plugs and see if it works fine?
Plug Pic:
Thank you!