Lower unit gearcase plug seals

[gnrboyd]

Motor: 1993 Evinrude 50 hsp.

I went to change my lower unit grease today and realized I didn't have any new Evinrude seals to go on the lower plug screw. I do have some Mercury seals that I had with my last boat. The Evinrude seal is clear and made out of a some type of plastic. The Mercury seal is black and looks to be made of a different material. (Kind of looks like a hard compressed paper although that probably isn't what it's made of.) It's also slightly smaller in diameter and slightly thinner. (ever so slight differences)

I don't see any problem with using the Mercury plugs. Does anyone else?

I know you are supposed to use new ones each time but the one that was in there doesn't look like its in bad shape. Can you get away with using them again or is that a bad risk for 50 cents. (Wait....don't answer that.....I know the answer...LOL)


Thanks

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Lower unit gearcase plug seals

The Merc ones are acceptable. It sounds like the OMC plugs are resuable, if they are made of plastic.

 

[Mas]

Re: Lower unit gearcase plug seals

Hopefully you're putting lube oil in the LU instead of grease.

I've heard that some people have bought those nylon gaskets at home depot and lowes...I do not know the results however.

I would always replace them. Once used, many will create a depression in the nylon that will create a leak if not exactly repositioned...doubtful.

When I buy nylon gaskets, I buy a half dozen, so I always have some on hand.

Replace them. If you find something else that will work in a pinch, let us know.

MAS

 

[gnrboyd]

Re: Lower unit gearcase plug seals

Hopefully you're putting lube oil in the LU instead of grease.

Yes... lube and not grease...

I had my daughter stop by the boat dealer after school today to pick up 3 of each of the Evinrude brand. (bottom washer and top o-ring.) They charged her 1.70 EACH for the plastic washers and .84 EACH for the itty bitty o-rings. This reflects DOUBLE the LIST price on these items. Had I been there, I would have not made the purchase. What a joke. The margin involved with marine parts is high enough as it is without then doubling the LIST price. I'm tempted to return them out of principle and go to another dealer. (Not cost effective in terms of time and gas but sometimes principle is just as important.)

 

[asdasc]

Re: Lower unit gearcase plug seals

You are right, that does seem not right. I really like to support the local dealers, but when they do things like that, it just forces me to use the internet to make purchases.