Aftermarket OMC transom seal life expectancy

[mrlassi1]

In 2010 I replaced the transom seal on my 1976 stringer drive. The new seal was not an OMC part. After a little over a year, the new seal developed cracks and checks in several areas. I put light pressure on one of the cracks with my finger, it easily gave way and the seal is torn.

I know OMC is out of business and that parts are hard to find. I hate to think of replacing this seal on an annual basis. Has anyone come up with a way to reinforce this seal? I still have the old OMC seal, while it also has some checking it is still watertight. The compound it's made of is much tougher than the replacement non-OMC seal.

Suggestions, aside from converting to a Merc ?

 

[Howard Sterndrive]

Re: Aftermarket OMC transom seal life expectancy

you can buy the OEM seal at any Evinrude dealer. no need to buy aftermarket. The real part is only about $50 more than Sierra and it will last 10 years no problem.
0313080 SEAL,Transom 1 $153.96 Available

same is true for most service parts for your engine/drive. OMC as a sterndrive manufacturer may be gone, but the parts business never died... it stayed as part of Outboard Marine until it's sale to BRP. BRP still contracts to suppliers and manufactures parts to the original specs.

shop.evinrude.com has all the parts books for your rig online with exploded views and lists part numbers, pricing and availability. I'm not sure why the myth about OMC parts is continually perpetuated. There are a few parts discontinued, same as any other 1976 vehicle.

 

[Redrig]

Re: Aftermarket OMC transom seal life expectancy

right here. $115 shipped. It is on my list to get done in the spring as well.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OMC-Stern-D..._Accessories_Gear&vxp=mtr&hash=item2eb40b33f1

 

[Ron Everson]

Re: Aftermarket OMC transom seal life expectancy

I replaced mine (1975 225 OMC) in 1999 with an OMC that I bought from Seaway Marine. It still looks good - it's stored indoors.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Aftermarket OMC transom seal life expectancy

Often the cause of stress on them is the rear engine mounts have rotted some and the back of the engine is slightly lower pulling on the folds.
Check it. Often this can somewhat offset by turning the seal upside down. This was my case until I built new stringer mounts that put the engine/drive back at the right height.

And yes a OEM part will be better, but because these often sit for awhile at some shops they get dry.
Make sure you get a new one not NOS.

I would say 4-6 years out of an aftermarket and 7-10 out of an OEM.

 

[mrlassi1]

Re: Aftermarket OMC transom seal life expectancy

Thank you each for your reply, the information and advice.

 

[Icicle]

Re: Aftermarket OMC transom seal life expectancy

shop.evinrude.com has all the parts books for your rig online with exploded views and lists part numbers, pricing and availability. I'm not sure why the myth about OMC parts is continually perpetuated. There are a few parts discontinued, same as any other 1976 vehicle.

I realize revitalizing old threads is no bueno, but this just became one of my favorite posts on one of my favorite sites since I've become a "boater", and that link might be handy in the "Adults only" information sticky