25 hp. lower unit rebuild / sealant

McHoser

Cadet
Joined
Jun 20, 2004
Messages
11
I'm in the process of rebuilding the lower unit (seals, o-rings, impeller, clutch dog, etc...) on my 25 Evinrude and was wondering which parts I need to apply sealant to and what type of sealant to use?<br />Thanks in advance for any info...
 

WillyBWright

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Dec 29, 2003
Messages
8,200
Re: 25 hp. lower unit rebuild / sealant

On fresh o-rings against clean undamaged surfaces, just grease. O-rings are wonderful things and they don't need any help. Grease lets them move around and do their job better than locking them in place with a sealant. If the surfaces they're sealing are compromised, then you need a sealant.<br /><br />A thin film of red loctite around the outer diameter of seals will hold them in place and fill in any tiny gaps. Grease on the shaft side of the seal will help keep them lubricated.<br /><br />The best sealants to use are not readily available to the general public. Type M sealant is a rubber cement that does very well. Perfect Seal is another good one. Each has their specific uses and are only available from a marine dealer. Few sell them over the counter. The next best thing is a liquid Permatex that comes in a small plastic jar with a brush on the lid. You can get that at your local Farm & Barn, hardware stores, and automotive parts stores. Stay away from silicones, although Ultra Silicones work fairly well.
 

McHoser

Cadet
Joined
Jun 20, 2004
Messages
11
Re: 25 hp. lower unit rebuild / sealant

Will grease also work for the seal between the main Housing and the lower Housing (skag end)? and should the ends of that seal be cut flush to the edge of the (prop shaft) Bearing Head or should it be left a little long?<br /><br />thanks again for your help~!
 

Paul Moir

Admiral
Joined
Nov 5, 2002
Messages
6,847
Re: 25 hp. lower unit rebuild / sealant

Leave them a bit longer, so that when they're scrunched into the corners of the groove, they still overhang into the propshaft seal/bearing carrier area by a good 1/32". This is the OEM way of doing things, and it works well.<br />I like WillyBWright have had luck with Permatex Aviation Form-A-Sealant #3 (jar with brush lid) but the proper sealant is also known as 1000 Sealer, sold under the Boat Armour name as well as others. <br />If you don't use sealant on the seal between the main section and cap, you will have leaks. I also use some on the carrier's o-ring but that's probably not necessary.
 

shockwave538

Cadet
Joined
Apr 24, 2010
Messages
17
Re: 25 hp. lower unit rebuild / sealant

What are the thoughts about using RTV compound? I don't know if it's silicone based, or what the problem is with silicone around the gearcase.
 

Larry Glady

Seaman
Joined
Apr 8, 2011
Messages
71
Re: 25 hp. lower unit rebuild / sealant

shock im doin the same rebuild and was planning on using the rtv red, now not to sure. mine is a 77 and cant figure out where or how to replace the seals in the gearcase head assembly have you done this yet?
 
Top