Cork Gasket OK for Gimbal Housing to Transom?

[bbook83]

For my 1974 140 sterndrive, I purchased OEM #27-70974, which was foam rubber, but realized it is a bit different (as some have noted on this forum) from the one I need, which is 27-65373. So, I purchased the correct one, which is cork. I cannot find a rubber version. Before I got the correct cork gasket, I trimmed the rubber one to the point that it is a good, but not perfect fit. The cork gasket is a perfect fit.

I just have a tough time believing that a cork gasket is appropriate for the gimbal housing to transom. With either gasket, I intend to tack it on to the gimbal housing with bellows adhesive and seal it with 4200. Any opinions out there on cork gaskets?

 

[Bt Doctur]

4200 is overkill, contact cement, bellows adhesive to hold it in place and install the housing. If the cork was there and your using the round rubber one
Your trying to put a round peg in a square hole.

 

[dieselram94]

I would think the cork would work well? What material is the original one?

 

[bbook83]

This is the early style flat gasket, not the later round one that fits into a groove on the gimbal housing. The original gasket that came off the boat was rubber (flat). That is why I am surprised that the OEM replacement is cork. It just seems like an odd material for use below the water line. So, cork will seal ok?

 

[fishrdan]

I use the cork gasket on my 72' 140HP, been on there for 5 years, no problems. Good plan to use the bellows adhesive to glue the gasket to the gimble housing, so it doesn't slip.

I was advised to use "Boatlife" sealant, and what a slippery mess that was, while torquing it down. Ended up taking everything back apart, cleaning it up and gluing the gasket to the gimble housing with contact cement, no more slippage, even though I used the Boatlife sealant on the transom side.

 

[jimmbo]

More gaskets leak when installed with sealant, than if they were installed without

 

[bbook83]

Good thoughts from all on sealant versus not. I'm inclined to use it because of the transom repairs I did, and some imperfections in the gelcoat I'd like to be sure are sealed, but realize I need to use it judiciously. I definitely need it in the bolt holes through the transom. I appreciate Fishrdan's response, as in my research I learned of the odd gasket differences in his 2008 post. I see that info from that post found its way to the sticky on technical issues at the top of the forum. It was great to hear that your use of the cork gasket has held up since your work then. Learning from the experience of others is the great value of this forum. Thanks to each who responded. I will report back after the work is done.

 

[Fishermark]

Last time I did one that used the cork gasket I simply bought a sheet of gasket material from NAPA. It is a thick rubber / cork combination material that is better than cork alone. Then simply cut it out to fit. Works great.

 

[Fishermark]

I just found the box with the gasket material I used. It is good stuff. It is not NAPA after all... it is made by Victor Reinz - part #JV122

 

[bbook83]

Fishermark: I looked up the Victor Reinz product you mentioned. The rubber/cork material looks like a good one for this application. Yesterday, I did go ahead and install the gimbal housing using the OEM cork gasket in concert with black Boat Life Life Seal, which hopefully gives me some of what the Victor Reinz material would give without having to cut a new gasket.