Cutting a gasket for Mercruiser ourdrive

Safari

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My outdrive is very old and many replacement parts are N.L.A. My problem stems from having to replace the gear houseing to drive houseing gasket. The gasket is no longer made. I thought that if I hade to make a gasket, I would do so by placing gasket material on the houseing and gently tapping the edges with a ball peen hammer. Is this the correct proceedure? Also, if it is, should I use cork or some other material? It was also suggested by an acquaintece, not to bother, making the gasket,just use Permatex. Has anyone any experience in this area? Thank you.
 

DHPMARINE

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Re: Cutting a gasket for Mercruiser ourdrive

The ball peen method might work as would Permatex.<br />I would use Life Caulk for underwater,drawing a bead,but leaving apart (1/8 inch) for about 30 minutes before mating togeather and torqueing.<br /><br />DHP
 

garycinn

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Re: Cutting a gasket for Mercruiser ourdrive

Most autoparts stores (I hope the Coast Guard doesn't read this ;) ), sell rolls/sheets of gasket material. You could get enough to make a half dozen gaskets or more for ~$5.<br /><br />Personally, I would use a ballpoint pen to trace the outline, then use an exacto knife and scissors to cut it out.
 

Don S

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Re: Cutting a gasket for Mercruiser ourdrive

Are you refering to gasket number 2 in the drawing below? If so, what year/model is your drive?<br />
bellhousing.jpg
 

Safari

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Re: Cutting a gasket for Mercruiser ourdrive

Thanks guys.<br />DonS, That's not the gasket I'm referring to. Mine is for a Mercruiser II, Ser# 1667103 The gasket is located just above the cavitation plate between the lower and upper sections of the leg.
 

crazy charlie

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Re: Cutting a gasket for Mercruiser ourdrive

If you choose to go the permatex or sealant type of gasket.Only tighten the 2 halves a tiny bit at first,just enough that the sealant touches both halves.Dont let the sealant force out .Wait until the sealant is cured and then tighten it thoroughly.This will ensure there is enough in there to make a gasket.Charlie
 

DHPMARINE

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Re: Cutting a gasket for Mercruiser ourdrive

Safari,I have now seen a II drive for the first time in my parts book.Never had to look before.<br />What does this NLA gasket seal?If it is just water and exhaust,as I suspect,you can use my before mentioned Lifecaulk.If oils exchange thru these housings use Permetex2.<br /><br />DHP
 

Safari

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Re: Cutting a gasket for Mercruiser ourdrive

Hi DHP,<br /><br />The gasket seals out water from entering the leg. <br />Within the leg however, is gear oil. I'm not sure what you mean by the word "Exchange", The two halves bolt together. I believe this forms a single chamber to lubricate both the gear housing on the bottom as well as the drive housing on top.<br /><br />Thanks Crazy Charlie,<br /><br />That is a good Idea. I would have just bolted the two halves together and tightened untill the Permatex oozed out the sides. Yours is a better Idea.
 

steve n carol

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May 8, 2004
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Re: Cutting a gasket for Mercruiser ourdrive

DHP, <br /><br />"What does this NLA gasket seal"<br /><br />NLA = No Longer Available...sl
 

tommays

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Re: Cutting a gasket for Mercruiser ourdrive

i could be wrong but if i remenber this was the drive that held 8 quarts of oil ? so this could be and inportant seal<br /><br />tommays
 

cuzzi23

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Re: Cutting a gasket for Mercruiser ourdrive

Safari<br />The ball peen hammer method is used by a lots of people with good results, but it is not the recommended method for making gaskets. The reason is that could easily damage the edges of the sealing surfaces. A better way is to cover one of the surfaces with oil, then place gasket material against it, run one hand over material to make sure it touches all around ( with other hand making sure that gasket material is not moving )<br />When gasket material is removed, you will see a nice "print" of your gasket. Just cut the outlines.<br />The holes should be done with hole punches.<br />This is the way gaskets are cut in electrical power plants on their water pumps. ( been trained)
 
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