Aint got no washers!!!!

[papamendy]

Hi...Ive been posting about a gearcase leak on an 83 90hp v4...as I was draining the lower unit I see that both of the screws..... drain and level check DO NOT have washers. The shop manual says to remove/replace washers. I was goung to drop the lower unit to pressure test it..My question is could these screws be a source of water entry..I kept the boat on a trailer when not in use and never saw any leakage from either screw all summer. Could water have enterd the gearcase this way while boat was under way...and have created enough pressure to blow the oring around the bearing carrier. DO THESE SCREWS NEED WASHERS...thanks...Peter

 

[Walker]

Re: Aint got no washers!!!!

You bet they need washers. They are actually nylon washer/seals. Without them the water can surely seep into the gear case.

 

[JB]

Re: Aint got no washers!!!!

Yes, Papa.<br /><br />They NEED gaskets; new ones every time they are removed.<br /><br />If you haven't had water in the gearcase it is some sort of miracle.<br /><br />The gaskets are a common and pretty standard part. I usually keep a half dozen in my on-boat toolbox at all times.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[papamendy]

Re: Aint got no washers!!!!

Is it possible that this is the entire problem with the gearcase...could a watered down mixture of lube/water be thin enough to seep through the oring on the bearing carrier???

 

[OBJ]

Re: Aint got no washers!!!!

Don't think so papa. The o'ring keeps water out and oil in. I'd replace the vent and drain washers and do a pressure test....only if for piece of mind.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Aint got no washers!!!!

papa - Some of the OMC fill and drain plugs use o rings instead of the nylon washers. Either way replace em.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Aint got no washers!!!!

Yes, the drain-fill screws need the #311598 white sealing washers. For a few years until they went back to the flat washers setup, some drain screws used small o-rings. You could tell that type by the groove machined in the flange for the oring.