Freeze Plug Fix?

[athena71]

Yes Yes I'm a total newbie here... however I do have an important question.

We recently purchased a 1999 SeaDoo GTI... we LOVE this thing!
Having so much fun... anyway.... my question is this.
we have a small leak near the freeze plug.

A local mechanic advised this material much like JB Weld.... that would fix the problem.

I wanted to know if anyone else has a solution to this problem.

Looking for help please!
~Athena~

 

[kustomkarl]

JB weld is a good repair for the plug. If you weld it, it will break down the metal and cause more problems. JB Weld has worked for me for a long time in this area.

Karl

 

[athena71]

hey that's great news... I appreicate your quick reply!

thank you!

 

[Chester]

Welding it is the best way if you want a permanent repair. Make sure you have it done by someone that knows what they are doing. If done properly he will completely remove the plug & weld in a thicker one. JB weld is an OK interim repair.

Chester

 

[PWCdoc]

:agree:

Welding is the only repair I will do. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right the first time.

 

[Dennis]

Pipe weld

I'm in total agreement with CHESTER and PWCDOC.
DAWG

 

[scooper77515]

Welding is the proper way, but not everyone has access to a tig.

I drilled and tapped the hole to about 3/8", and drove in a short stainless bolt. Then jbwelded inside and out, and actually used jbweld as "loc-tite" on the bolt.

Did this for both of the bottom bungs and has held up for 2 years now. Just took it off a couple weeks back to verify that it is holding, and looks good as when I did it.

Also, I filled in the indentation inside with jbweld. Scuff up the surface really good and make sure it is clean.

 

[robin savell lloyd]

Harbor freight sells aluminum rods that you can use to braze aluminum. If I am not mistaken I used the same type of rods 25 years ago you only nead a cheap propane torch and this is a very strong fix. I do believe it is beter than jb weld. do not get me wrong jb weld is a very good product and I have had many great fixes with it. Good luck Robin :cheers:

 

[seadoosnipe]

JB....

I developed leaks along the casting of my exhaust water jacket. The more I cleaned, the more leaks I found.

With a new pipe upwards of money I didn't have, I used the two part epoxy JB weld. The water jacket doesn't have much pressure on it and it doesn't get very hot, ..........so, rather than take a chance and create more leaks from fragile casting, I decided to go with the epoxy weld.

That was two seasons ago. I still have no leaks. Using the JB weld properly is akin to knowing how to weld aluminum. If you don't have a 100% clean area for welding and shielding gas set proper, you'll only heat and crack the casting.

Like others, I would elect to weld, if possible. But, when you come to casted metals that are over 10 years old that have been heated up and cooled down, other alternatives should never be brushed aside. With my repairs going on 2 years, I think that's proof enough that it can work.

I do agree with Chester though, ........anyway you turn it, it's still a temporary fix because of the compound I used verses replacing it. I say replacing it because if the metal is that old and brittle, if the weld does hold, it's still only temporary before another area starts to leak (and believe me, it will)............:cheers: