It isn't cracked it just seems a little stiff. I was going to try to put some sort of softener on it and see how she did, if it doesn't do the trick then replacement will probably be the next step. But thats a lot of work if it isn't necessary.
thanks
years ago i had a real good looking boot....the only problem was my blidge pump keep kicking on??? it was ripped. save time and money do it right. replace it
bob
That's the easiest of any transom seal in the industry to change as far as I'm concerned - especially after I learned it will slip over the whole outdrive with lots of soap and water.. Finding it is no issue - any GLM or Sierra parts dealer has them in stock i.e. NAPA.
I totally disagree about the armor-all deteriorating the rubber. I Armor all the heck out of all rubber and vinyl parts on my boats and it keeps everything supple and tough. It will not, however, soften an already dried/hard rubber part. It's strictly preventative maintenance. A better product for natural rubber and hypalon is 303 Aerospace Protectant, but its expensive. My Avon Inflatable requires that stuff only because if you armor all it and then ever needed to patch it you're in trouble.
I just got one off ebay for $59. Mine has small cracks in the rubber, starting to seep a little. I'm removing my drive to do some work so I figured I'd replace it. From what I have heard its really not that hard and will stretch around the out drive.
Thanks to all who gave helpful advice. There are no cracks and it is not hard, it just doesn't seem as plyable as i think it should and is lightening in color. With the new knowledge that it can be replaced without removing the drive I am going to give it a shot.
thanks again the the helpful posters!
brian
It's probably a good idea to take the drive off to replace the boot. I have to remove my drive to service the ball gears. For kicks I took the boot off to look in behind my motor as I have an oil leak. I tried to get the boot off and stretch it around the drive. Not easy and I would imagine you could damage it trying this method, that is getting the new one on. I couldn't stretch it enough to get it off. I cut it off. Still might be able to do it with a new one as it's probably more flexible. I just would hate to tear it.
I replaced mine while the outdrive was still on with no problems. Actually quite easy. As mentioned, lots of soapy water and a little care is all it takes. Make sure it's the right way up! My new boot had TOP moulded right into it.
Is there a product that is recomended as a preservative (not a restorer) for rubber other than Armorall? I've heard too many stories of AA drying out natural rubber so would like to avoid it on critical parts.
