Got a question about changing a 15hp Merc impeller

[Will Wright]

Haven't been here in a l-o-n-g time, got a quick question:

I've got a 97 15hp Merc and I'm changing the impeller. Found something I thought looked a little weird, is this big gob of silicone sposed to be there? In the past I had this kinda thing done for me so this is the first time I've pulled the lower end off.

Thanks
Will

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Got a question about changing a 15hp Merc impeller

back off on the PIC. Have No idea.
Never need silicone.

 

[Will Wright]

Re: Got a question about changing a 15hp Merc impeller

Back off on the pic?

You mean zoom out?

Don't think it's there to keep exhaust out? There's no gasket there, or if there's sposed to be I'm missing it.

 

[Will Wright]

Re: Got a question about changing a 15hp Merc impeller

Interesting, after clicking around this site I was able to download the manual. It tells you to put a ?" bead of silicone there when you put the lower section back on: