{"product_id":"mercury-plug-97-8m0074531","title":"Mercury – Plug | Cooling \u0026 Drain Port Seal | 97-8M0074531","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"61\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"61\"\u003eMercury – Plug | Cooling \u0026amp; Drain Port Seal | 97-8M0074531\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"63\" data-end=\"66\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"68\" data-end=\"82\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"83\" data-end=\"546\"\u003eIf you’ve spent any time working on your own outboard, you know this plug plays a bigger role than its size suggests. When the old one starts getting worn, you’ll see a slow drip or feel it tighten with that scratchy, “not right” kind of bite. A good plug should thread in smooth and land with a clean, firm stop—that’s really all you’re looking for. Once it’s in, the cooling system stays sealed and you can get back to running the boat instead of chasing leaks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"548\" data-end=\"551\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"553\" data-end=\"571\"\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"572\" data-end=\"934\"\u003e  • \u003cstrong data-start=\"586\" data-end=\"610\"\u003eDurable Construction\u003c\/strong\u003e – Holds up to heat and vibration over regular use.\u003cbr data-start=\"661\" data-end=\"664\"\u003e  • \u003cstrong data-start=\"678\" data-end=\"701\"\u003eAccurate Thread Fit\u003c\/strong\u003e – Threads in straight and seats without much effort.\u003cbr data-start=\"754\" data-end=\"757\"\u003e  • \u003cstrong data-start=\"771\" data-end=\"803\"\u003eCorrosion-Resistant Material\u003c\/strong\u003e – Handles salt spray and damp storage fairly well.\u003cbr data-start=\"854\" data-end=\"857\"\u003e  • \u003cstrong data-start=\"871\" data-end=\"895\"\u003eOEM-Spec Seal Design\u003c\/strong\u003e – Gives the port a tight, steady seal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"936\" data-end=\"939\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"941\" data-end=\"974\"\u003eEngine \u0026amp; Boat Compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"975\" data-end=\"1172\"\u003e  • Mercury outboard cooling systems\u003cbr data-start=\"1021\" data-end=\"1024\"\u003e  • Multi-cylinder engine platforms\u003cbr data-start=\"1069\" data-end=\"1072\"\u003e  • Standard mechanical drain ports\u003cbr data-start=\"1117\" data-end=\"1120\"\u003e  • Mercury service and maintenance series\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1174\" data-end=\"1177\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1179\" data-end=\"1217\"\u003ePerformance \u0026amp; Practical Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1218\" data-end=\"1611\"\u003eA fresh plug helps the cooling system stay steady, which keeps the engine from drifting toward the warm side on longer runs. It also avoids those little air leaks that can make a motor act sluggish or inconsistent at idle. And when you pull it during service, it usually backs out clean instead of grabbing or tearing up the threads. It’s a small part, but it makes the rest of the job easier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1613\" data-end=\"1616\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1618\" data-end=\"1635\"\u003eWhy Buy OEM\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1636\" data-end=\"1885\"\u003eThe OEM plug matches the factory threads, and that alone saves a lot of frustration. Aftermarket versions can fit loose or corrode quicker, especially if you’re on the water a lot. Using the Mercury part just keeps everything simple and predictable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1887\" data-end=\"1890\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1892\" data-end=\"1901\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1902\" data-end=\"2047\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1902\" data-end=\"1948\"\u003e1. How do I know it’s time for a new plug?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1948\" data-end=\"1951\"\u003eIf it doesn’t seat cleanly, leaks even when snugged down, or the head looks chewed up, it’s due.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2049\" data-end=\"2161\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2049\" data-end=\"2093\"\u003e2. Do I need sealant when installing it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2093\" data-end=\"2096\"\u003eMost techs just use a tiny bit of marine-safe lube—nothing heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2163\" data-end=\"2256\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2163\" data-end=\"2203\"\u003e3. How does it hold up in saltwater?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2203\" data-end=\"2206\"\u003eIt does fine with normal rinsing and routine care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2258\" data-end=\"2369\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2258\" data-end=\"2299\"\u003e4. Any tips for removing the old one?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2299\" data-end=\"2302\"\u003eUse the right-size tool and ease it out to keep the threads intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2371\" data-end=\"2492\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2371\" data-end=\"2414\"\u003e5. What happens if the plug is failing?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2414\" data-end=\"2417\"\u003eYou might see small drips, warmer temps than usual, or a slow, uneven idle.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mercury","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46933620850979,"sku":"97-8M0074531","price":1.7,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/7410\/9475\/files\/8M0074531_Main.jpg?v=1760631317","url":"https:\/\/partsvu.com\/en-mx\/products\/mercury-plug-97-8m0074531","provider":"PartsVu","version":"1.0","type":"link"}