"O" ring on top of the drive shaft?

[bilbo1usa]

Hello all,

1960 Evinrude 75hp

I'm putting my lower end back on the motor and the schematics all show an "O" ring on top of the drive shaft.
They also show a drive shaft that looks beveled on the top, and mine is not.

It should be noted when the lowed end came off, there was no "O" ring there.

Any thoughts on if this ring is necessary with the flat top drive shaft, and if so, what is it's purpose?

Thanks all,
Bill

 

[oldcatamount]

Re: "O" ring on top of the drive shaft?

the O-ring would not go on the very tip top of the driveshaft. Just below the bottom of the splines, there should be a groove for the O-ring.

 

[bilbo1usa]

Re: "O" ring on top of the drive shaft?

I see.

Perfect, that's what it is. From the manual pictures, and the blown up schematics, they make it look like it goes on top of the shaft, but I see what you're talking about now, there is a groove cut at the base of the splines.

Thanks so much!

There wasn't an "O" ring there either!

Bill

 

[samo_ott]

Re: "O" ring on top of the drive shaft?

The O ring is there to stop water from spiralling up the driveshaft and then rusting the connection between the driveshaft and crank. Then you'd never get it apart.

 

[patrick4266]

Re: "O" ring on top of the drive shaft?

Make sure you put marine grease on the splines before you install it.

 

[witenite0560]

Re: "O" ring on top of the drive shaft?

Well, I'll be damned. I always wondered about this, too. All the schematics and instructions I've ever seen indicated the o-ring went on the tip top of the shaft and it's always made me wonder why. But, I put it there and used a bit of silicone to hold it in place while I put the shaft in. LOL I wondered what the cut in the shaft was for and even contemplated putting the o-ring there, just because it made more sense. Glad to see this cleared up. I bet I'm not the only one.