Missing gasket?

[genesis78]

I have a 1988 165hp Mercruiser I/O with an Alpha 1 Outdrive. When splitting the lower unit from the upper unit (to change the impeller), I notice that there was no gasket between the two its just metal bolted to metal, is there supposed to be?

 

[frustratedboater]

Re: Missing gasket?

I had a 87' four winns with the same setup and If my memory serves me correctly, there was no gasket in that location.

 

[twostroke87]

Re: Missing gasket?

There is no larger gasket between the upper and lower. BUT there is a very important O ring for the oil vein that when the drive is assembled allows oil to flow from the upper to lower and vice versa. This O ring is on the edge of the metal on one of the sides of the pump, find this O ring and make sure it stays there when you put the drive back together, don't lose it or you will get water in your oil.

 

[genesis78]

Re: Missing gasket?

Ok thanks!