drain / vent washer

joho5

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 14, 2008
Messages
456
Can I pick up something equivalent at a hardware store made out of nylon or neoprene? If so what is the size that would be compatible?
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: drain / vent washer

Let's get some engineering terminology in here, joho.

Those are plugs, not screws and what you put under them are gaskets, not washers. They are "use once", crushable gaskets. No reuse, no substitutes.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: drain / vent washer

We have no idea what drain and vent you are talking about much less what size they are -- remember, we can't see your boat. How about a little more detail.
 
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DJ

Guest
Re: drain / vent washer

Let's get some engineering terminology in here, joho.

Those are plugs, not screws and what you put under them are gaskets, not washers. They are "use once", crushable gaskets. No reuse, no substitutes.

Agreed. Whatcha got?

If I know one thing about boating is that: It ain't cheap.

When you go cheap, you get BIG $$$ repair bills. THERE IS A DIFFERENCE.
 

joho5

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 14, 2008
Messages
456
Re: drain / vent washer

76 Johnson 15hp

the drain and vent plugs that you take in and out to fill the lower unit up with gear oil.

i appologize for not wording it to the mechanical term, but I am not a mechanic.

so, I guess the answer is no...and yes they are gaskets. I have never seen one "crushed"...they are usually out of shape porportionally after use and I do understand that they are only used once.

When you get a new one though, to me, just looks like a white nylon washer you would buy at the hardware store.

I was just curious to know if you can get a nylon washer equivalent to a Vent and Drain plugs.

my goal wasnt to irritate everyone because I didnt use the correct terminology.

I was just curious...
 
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DJ

Guest
Re: drain / vent washer

Not irritated-at all. Sorry about the "direct" answer.

Anyway, the new OEM seals are cheap. Why risk it? Worth it, IMHO. Just part of the "fun".:D
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Mar 25, 2001
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45,907
Re: drain / vent washer

Sorry if I was too direct, joho. I am always in a race with my ISP to see if I can post before it goes down. :(
 

joho5

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 14, 2008
Messages
456
Re: drain / vent washer

no guys, its ok. I just feel like I sometimes irritate folks because of my lack of knowledge. I am only about a year into the hobby of restoring these older motors. You are a great bunch and about 99% of the new things I learn come from here.

I just dont want to bother the "vets" cause I actually dont word it right or ask "stupid" questions.

I appreciate your guys' response.

I have just been curious about that for a long time. In the meantime I have always just got the OEM parts made for that specific job.

thanks again
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: drain / vent washer

They are standard and are only 50 cents each at your local OMC/Merc etc. dealer. Why bothe going elsewhere? The plug is a modified 3/8 screw.

Some OMC engines had a nice one that was grooved to accept an O ring. If I had my choice, I would buy one or two for the 10 bucks so I could use regular O rings. Very convenient and you dont need to worry about adequate tightening. Screw them down tight enough to not work loose and the O ring will be compressed just enough to properly seal.
 

Moody Blue

Captain
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
3,136
Re: drain / vent washer

Yep I've used O-rings in place of the fiber gaskets on the Merc motors for years without problems. Easier to find the o-rings for me and I can use them over and over again. Size does matter in this case.

Key is to not overtighten, but tight enough to seal. The o-ring MUST be lubricated before tightening.

The white nylon washer you describe will not provide a reliable seal.
 

seahorse5

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jan 24, 2002
Messages
4,698
Re: drain / vent washer

the Johnson-Evinrude drain plug gaskets are part number 311598 and any dealership has them in stock.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: drain / vent washer

there is not a stupid question on iboats, we just sometimes have trouble disciphering what people are talking about. i buy them but the dozen. now if i can remember where i put them.
 

timsmcm

Seaman
Joined
Oct 5, 2008
Messages
56
Re: drain / vent washer

can you go with the o ring setup on a omc 15hp motor I would love to go that route instead of the white washers
 

HighTrim

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
10,486
Re: drain / vent washer

can you go with the o ring setup on a omc 15hp motor I would love to go that route instead of the white washers

We will get back to the response of Why??

I have never personally had a crush washer fail on me. That is of course, as long as they are used only ONCE! As JB mentioned, they are a one time deal. Then Garbage. No need to cheap out on a .50 cent item here.

I bought a bag of them and I imagine that bag will last quite a while. As long as they dont end up hidden with Tashasdaddy's, lol.
 
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