Pre Alpha transom seal

[Fishermark]

Setting the engine aside on this project we are working on... I turn my attention to the transom assembly. We are putting on a good used assembly and, while I have replaced a couple of Alpha units, and am familiar with the big o-ring type of seal, this is my first install of a pre-alpha seal. It is a large, flat cork gasket. Here's a picture:

Question: I know the recommendation for the o-ring is to go on dry, what about the cork gasket? I'm inclined to lightly coat it with a sealer of some sort. Yes? No? If so, what sealer would you recommend?

The actual transom itself is in great shape - no rot, very solid!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Pre Alpha transom seal

Ayuh,.........

I might be off on this ,....
But,......
Basically,+ Traditionally,.....
Cork Gaskets should be installed Dry,...
Because the Cork needs to Swell to complete the Seal.........

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Pre Alpha transom seal

From the demensions shown in your picture posting it is clear that you noticed the difference in the two early drives and I must assume that you have the correct gasket for your drive.

Now your need to ensure that your transom will fit the transom/drive that you have by carefully fitting the gasket to the transom.

Hopefully it is a match.

I am a great believer in some of the silicone sealers IF used VERY sparingly and allowed to partially cure to the point it is very 'tacky' almost totally dried prior to assembly. Too much or assembled too soon and the gasket can squeeze out and tear.

Mercury/Quicksilver sells a product called Perfect Seal, a can of brushable sealer sort of like an av-perm. Again, use sealer spareingly and allow to almost totally 'cure' prior to assembly.

Many manufacturers skip the sealers, there are not always required and in a production environment take up time. Newer production gaskets often are 'beaded' or 'film coated' and do not need and should NOT have any additional sealer added.

Check your gasket carefully to see if it is 'pre-coated' or if it really is just the old plain cork.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Pre Alpha transom seal

As Bond-o already said, and I agree, cork gaskets need no sealer as they need to swell to seal properly. A little gasket glue to hold it in place during assembly is all that is required or recommended if needed. And even that should be applied sparingly. Silicon or RTV sealer will actually ruin the seal or make it fail prematurely.
--
Stan