1991 70hp Force lower unit filler plate

[acumalik@gmail.com]

I have a 91 70hp force. in taking off the water pump to change the oil seals, i see the the filler plate pn 818226A1 is just held in with silicone glue and has a big gap between it and the water pump bottom plate. also filler with silicone.
what does this filler plate do?
is it necessary?
and is there a better way to attach it than silicone?

thanks

 

[jerryjerry05]

The way I understand it, it's supposed to keep exhaust from going back up into the engine.
Just do it the way the factory did.

 

[acumalik@gmail.com]

Ok. So how did the factory install this? I'm looking at the factory manual and I can't find anything specific to the installation of this part.
In the photo on pg 4a-4 it does look like it is siliconed in place. But is just a guess.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Just use silicone..

 

[acumalik@gmail.com]

Wow! ok, will do.
Thank you for your help.