lower unit - nuts, gasket & trim tab....?

vampirefish

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 14, 2005
Messages
195
Howdy - tried to put my lower unit on my engine yesterday (1966 merc 95 hp o/b). Got it lined up with the gears, no problem but didn't have the right nylock nuts and need a bolt as well. <br /><br />I have a couple questions:<br /> 1) Since my lower unit casting is made of aluminum (i think).. should I use "stainless steel" nylock nuts to bolt this thing on? I've heard that aluminum and steel don't act well together (in a chemical reaction sense). But I would assume that stainless would be the way to go...<br /> 2) Do I need a gasket or some type of seal inbetween the lower unit and the power head?<br /> 3) I don't have a trim tab on my lower unit...do I need one? From what I understand it helps with steering, but am not sure if this is critical? I would think that I'd need one. My parents gave me this boat (with a damaged lower unit - unattached) and never gave me the trim tab. I've since had a different one rebuilt...so the shop I gave it to, to fix it, did not put one on...should they have? I'm beginning to question this shop more and more each day. If I do need this....what type do i need? Any advice here would be great.<br /><br />thanks in advance<br /><br />-kary
 

vampirefish

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 14, 2005
Messages
195
Re: lower unit - nuts, gasket & trim tab....?

Ok, so I've got my lower unit on (YEAH!!)!!! Now I just need 1 more bolt (on the end by the trim tab). Do I NEED the trim tab? I don't have one right now. Any advice would be really appreciated.<br /><br />THANKS
 

jheron

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 21, 2004
Messages
284
Re: lower unit - nuts, gasket & trim tab....?

I wouldn't worry about doing any damage running with out it but I know on my engine the trim tab is also the zinc and its important to stop your motor from corroding away! they are cheap and an on the shelf item in most marine supplies.<br />Jon
 

wilde1j

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 15, 2002
Messages
5,964
Re: lower unit - nuts, gasket & trim tab....?

Steering is real fun w/o the tab ... builds strong muscles!
 
Top