OMC Transom (Big Rubber Circle) Seal.. How Long Do They Last?

[jmw129]

Re: OMC Transom (Big Rubber Circle) Seal.. How Long Do They Last?

I don't know the answer but in my boat that I bought 2 yrs old, its now 20 yrs and its the original one.

Seem's like the OEM's are holding are up just fine. Really want to know when the after market seal issue was corrected?

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: OMC Transom (Big Rubber Circle) Seal.. How Long Do They Last?

Where do I buy an OEM seal?

any Evinrude dealer -part number is 0909527
google it up - might find it for same price or cheaper than knock-off part

I have no idea when the issue was corrected, or when it began.

 

[jmw129]

Re: OMC Transom (Big Rubber Circle) Seal.. How Long Do They Last?

Howard,

Thank you for the part number. Greatly appreciated!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: OMC Transom (Big Rubber Circle) Seal.. How Long Do They Last?

Our stringer which was a 1975 had a crack in its original boot at around 8 years old.

 

[sethjon]

Re: OMC Transom (Big Rubber Circle) Seal.. How Long Do They Last?

Thats only true if it wasn't properly maintained. If it was it will run with the best of 'em.

 

[jmw129]

Re: OMC Transom (Big Rubber Circle) Seal.. How Long Do They Last?

yes

both. The manual says to remove outdrive. and that is included in my 1.5 hours. 15 minutes off, 15 minutes back on. 1 hour for the seal which includes mixing some marinetex if the screw holes in the transom are spotty.
However, on a hot sunny day, with a pail of hot soapy water, all that needs to be removed is the propeller, trim tab, and water directors....cuts about 20 minutes off the job.

OMC went out of business for the most part 15 or 20 years ago. That style of drive you are looking at was last made in 1985. Your mechanic doesn't want to work on it because it is old, and stuff breaks easier when it is old. And OMC drive parts are typically 3 to 10 times more expensive than Mercruiser Alpha One parts.

Howard,

Do you have the instructions on how to change the transom seal boot? Diagrams, PDF files, etc visually showing and guiding step-by-step on how to do this type of repair?

Would be nice to have on hand in case I needed to do to work & not get ripped off.

Thanks!

 

[bruceb58]

Re: OMC Transom (Big Rubber Circle) Seal.. How Long Do They Last?

Thats only true if it wasn't properly maintained. If it was it will run with the best of 'em.

What does "run with the best of them" mean?

I would love to know how you maintain a rubber boot. Sprays and protectants don't do squat by the way.

Bottom line is they don't last forever and if you keep a boot on your boat for 20 years and expect it not to leak and sink your boat you are foolish.

 

[jmw129]

Re: OMC Transom (Big Rubber Circle) Seal.. How Long Do They Last?

Howard,

Do you have the instructions on how to change the transom seal boot? Diagrams, PDF files, etc visually showing and guiding step-by-step on how to do this type of repair?

Would be nice to have on hand in case I needed to do to work & not get ripped off.

Howard,

Another question is will the OMC outdrive that is fitted to a 4.3L will that same outdrive work with an OMC 350 5.7L? If not what gear ratio do I need to work?

Thanks!

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: OMC Transom (Big Rubber Circle) Seal.. How Long Do They Last?

I only have paper manuals. The original OMC published manuals are far superior to the others and were only available in paper. They can be purchased new from Ken Cook publishing, or used from eBay.

gear ratios are here:
http://sterndrive.info/1982_gear_ratio.html

the 4.3/800 stringer setup is not shown on that chart (as it is somewhat rare -was only produced for a few months in 1985), but it used the same gearing as the 3.8 on that chart

 

[jmw129]

Re: OMC Transom (Big Rubber Circle) Seal.. How Long Do They Last?

Howard,

I read this on a different site on how to replace the boot / Transom Seal on the OMC outdrive. I would like your advice on what this person said. Right? Wrong?

Does this apply to the 800 Stringer as well?

I have replaced the seal on my 400 series OMC. It really is not difficult at all.
You have to remove all the phillips head screws from the Transom. Pull the rubber boot back over the outdrive. Inside you will see a large hose clamp that holds the boot to the outdrive. Loosen the clamp and pull the complete boot over the drive and lower unit. It will seem a little tight but it will come off and on without tearing. When you reinstall it you will need sealer under the part that seals to the hull. Since you mention a lot of water in the hull,I would check and make sure the motor mounts are solid and has not shifted the engine allowing the boot to be torn.