O-ring on top of Driveshaft?

[bbfrs1]

I have a '85 115hp and trying to put a new l.u. on. My manual says the driveshaft should have a o-ring right below the splines. My old one didn't have on and neither did the one I'm putting on. So should I go buy a o-ring to put on it, or is it needed?

 

[HighTrim]

Re: O-ring on top of Driveshaft?

Without it water rides up the driveshaft and causes rust to form on the splines or worse enter the powerhead. An o ring and grease on the splines helps prevent this.

 

[F_R]

Re: O-ring on top of Driveshaft?

Does it (they) have a groove in the drive shaft for an o-ring? Some have the groove in the crankshaft bore instead of on the drive shaft. Of course you can't access that kind without pulling the powerhead. Improvements, y'know. Either way, the o-ring is vital.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: O-ring on top of Driveshaft?

Does it (they) have a groove in the drive shaft for an o-ring? Some have the groove in the crankshaft bore instead of on the drive shaft. Of course you can't access that kind without pulling the powerhead. Improvements, y'know. Either way, the o-ring is vital.

I'm thinking his engine should have the groove on the drive shaft. My '81 90 hp has it like that, so I'd guess his '85 does too.

That o-ring is just a buck or two, available at any online parts seller or any marine store that sells Johnson/Evinrude parts.

 

[kodibass]

Re: O-ring on top of Driveshaft?

If your drive shaft does not have the groove, then the o-ring does no good, you either have an internal (crank slot, type o-ring) or yours did not have one, It is my understanding OMC had some problems with cutting the slot for the o-ring on the drive shaft, and shafts were snapping at the groove as a result. I have ran into sever mid 80's 15 hp that had no slot or o-ring, I just paint the splines with anti-seaze and reassemble. good luck

 

[F_R]

Re: O-ring on top of Driveshaft?

When all else fails, go to the parts book. It shows a grooved drive shaft with o-ring 310585 (18-7158 here at iboats). No excuse for leaving it out.

 

[bbfrs1]

Re: O-ring on top of Driveshaft?

My shaft does have the groove for the o-ring, so I will definitely put one back on it. Thanks for all your help.