Remote drain plug problem

I open and close my remote drain plug after every outing which is a couple times per week minimum. This morning I went to close it and the toggle did nothing. I took the two screws out of toggle plate and looked inside. The metal nut, plastic nut and rectangle plastic washer was riding loose on the cable. Attempted to get all parts back on threaded portion of cable, install the "In" "Out" toggle and while in my hands the parts would go loose again on threaded portion. So that would lead me to believe the metal nut has stripped the threaded portion of cable. So.....for me to repair this do I need to install a whole new system? Has anyone on this board ever gone back to the old tried and true drain plug system (threaded)? Thanks for your feedback. Steve

You can use a cable tie to loop around back of nut and around bracket.

tighten everything back up and put a drop or two of crazy glue on the nut. Let it wick up into the threads.

Hey Steve,

I have been the proud owner of my 2015 Ranger 521-c for 10 months now "Great Boat". That remote drain plug on the other hand has been a hassle from day one. I finally pulled the wire off the selector toggle switch the other day (trying to open the plug) applied to much force. I said to heck with the thing and started using it in a manual mode as you suggest. Unless you are a very agile individual and don't mind getting down in the mud I wouldn't suggest that approach AT ALL. That's an awkward position you need to get into to get to that plug wayyyyyy up under the transom... I finally bit the bullet, wired the selector toggle back up by simply bending the wire thru the levor (not complicated). I mounted the mechanism back in place and functioned the plug. The calibration isn't quite right (doesn't show or go all the way to the open position) but it works like a champ!!! and I can appy more force now without worrying about it. I always add a touch of silicone to the plug (around the O-ring) and now have no problem getting it to seat all the way (you can hear and feel the click when it seats). Mainly I can open the thing with no problem now, it just doesn't stroke all the way out. I would recommend you don't trailer with the plug out as it will collect dust, dirt and debris from the road due to the silicone. Hope this helps...

Thanks for the info guys. I will do as you suggested.

Flow Rite has excellant C/S. I would contact them and I'm sure they will get you fixed up. I had a minor issue with mine and they sent me the O ring at no cost and a few spares. Haven't needed the spares yet.

I noticed that the boats you are talking about are 2015 models, are they not covered under warranty?

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Originally Posted by Half Baked

I noticed that the boats you are talking about are 2015 models, are they not covered under warranty?

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Yes they are.

I realize it's under warranty but my dealer is 70 miles away in the middle of Milwaukee WI. I hate taking my boat through a pot holed filled roadway.

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Originally Posted by MakingWaves

I realize it's under warranty but my dealer is 70 miles away in the middle of Milwaukee WI. I hate taking my boat through a pot holed filled roadway.

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You don't have to take it to your dealer. Call flow rite Monday and tell them what happened and the body it's on. They will mail s new cable to your house for free.

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Originally Posted by Ranger Randy 521-C

Hey Steve,

I have been the proud owner of my 2015 Ranger 521-c for 10 months now "Great Boat". That remote drain plug on the other hand has been a hassle from day one. I finally pulled the wire off the selector toggle switch the other day (trying to open the plug) applied to much force. I said to heck with the thing and started using it in a manual mode as you suggest. Unless you are a very agile individual and don't mind getting down in the mud I wouldn't suggest that approach AT ALL. That's an awkward position you need to get into to get to that plug wayyyyyy up under the transom... I finally bit the bullet, wired the selector toggle back up by simply bending the wire thru the levor (not complicated). I mounted the mechanism back in place and functioned the plug. The calibration isn't quite right (doesn't show or go all the way to the open position) but it works like a champ!!! and I can appy more force now without worrying about it. I always add a touch of silicone to the plug (around the O-ring) and now have no problem getting it to seat all the way (you can hear and feel the click when it seats). Mainly I can open the thing with no problem now, it just doesn't stroke all the way out. I would recommend you don't trailer with the plug out as it will collect dust, dirt and debris from the road due to the silicone. Hope this helps...

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This problem is caused because the little red plug is out of round. Take the plug out, remove o ring and file the sides where the two halves come together. Now insert the plug and turn it in the drain. It should turn freely without catching any edges. If it doesnt, continue to file until it is turns freely. Once it turns freely, put o ring on and reassemble. Put a small amount of lube on o ring. You will now have the best working drain plug with no binding ever.

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Originally Posted by ranger randy

Flow Rite has excellant C/S. I would contact them and I'm sure they will get you fixed up. I had a minor issue with mine and they sent me the O ring at no cost and a few spares. Haven't needed the spares yet.

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Mine would leak and not close properly after looking at it I found out that the o ring was cracked , went to the hardware store and got a new one installed it with a lite ccat grease on it , works great now and I carry a spare o ring with me.

I can't understand why in the world someone doesn't come up with the actuator made of brass instead of the cheap nylon. I would gladly pay the additional price for it. I know we all have had issue's with this problem. OK, rant over.

Until they come up with a better design this is always going to happen sooner or later. I fixed my second one by adding another nut (double nut) where the cable attaches to the actuator. Metal nuts on plastic cable sheething will never work with constant pressure applied. So far its ok.

I have had no problems with mine in the two years since I installed it.

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Originally Posted by Ranger519VS

I have had no problems with mine in the two years since I installed it.

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How hard is to install a remote drain plug in my 2013 521 Ranger?
Oh, where can I buy one.

How hard is to install a remote drain plug in my 2013 521 Ranger?
Oh, where can I buy one.

Installed one on my 13 520 C. Follow directions and it's pretty easy install. Tackle Warehouse stocks them.

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Originally Posted by BassBoatDiverduane

How hard is to install a remote drain plug in my 2013 521 Ranger?
Oh, where can I buy one.

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Super easy....about a 30 minute job. One of the best add ons to an older boat. Climbing under that thing is a pain.

I smile every time I put the plug in or out. Best add-on available! :thumb up2:

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Originally Posted by BassBoatDiverduane

How hard is to install a remote drain plug in my 2013 521 Ranger?
Oh, where can I buy one.

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Make sure the factory did not install your transducer right in front of your drain hole. The remote plug housing is longer then the stock and the transducer may interfere with the installation.