I have a '91 or '92 Mercury V-6 175 HP 2.5 litre. Serial #OD223009. Don't know its maintenance history, so among other things, I put in a new water pump kit. I had only a SELOC manual at the time, and was getting advice from someone who I think knows what he's doing (he's been in the O/B repair biz for over 20 yrs). <br /><br />After removing the lower unit (L/U), I noticed that there was silicone sealer on the divider between the water pump cavity and the exhaust passage. I was advised that it wasn't needed, and I didn't see it being called for in the SELOC manual. So I removed the old sealer, and I didn't put any new sealer on the divider. I've put the L/U back on and have run it on muffs only. <br /><br />I've since obtained the Merc Svc Manual, which DOES say to put a bead of sealer on the divider. I've seen at least one post on iboats saying it is not needed, others saying to seal it. So now I'm wrestling with whether or not I should drop the L/U again and seal it. 
<br /><br />1) What are the consequences, if any, if I don't seal it?<br /><br />2) Has anyone else not sealed it, and were there any problems? Or did you notice anything unusual the next time you had the L/U off?.<br /><br />Any advice or comments very much appreciated!
<br /><br />1) What are the consequences, if any, if I don't seal it?<br /><br />2) Has anyone else not sealed it, and were there any problems? Or did you notice anything unusual the next time you had the L/U off?.<br /><br />Any advice or comments very much appreciated!
