Gasket required or not??

[MainstreetUSA1]

Volvo SX OutDrive
SX-CT1
Serial # 4112040367
Prod # 3868397​

I just performed my winterization this afternoon including removing the outdrive and servicing the U-Joints, checking alignment and lubricating the gimbal bearing.​

Anticipating this maintenance in advance I had already ordered a gasket kit just like the one available here on I-Boats​

http://iboats.com/OMC_Sterndrive_Co...7961016--list_time.1192306917--view_id.269925​

After removing my outdrive I noticed that there was no existing fiber gasket installed like the one pictured in the link above. I replaced the water passage molded o-ring and the two orings that go on the outdrive input shaft and installed the fiber gasket included in my kit. Will operating my outdrive with this gasket installed cause any harm?​

I don't understand how installing the outdrive without the fiber gasket keeps the water out of the drive bellows. I have a factory manual and I didn't see the gasket in the manual either. Should I pull my drive again and remove the gasket? Any help will be greatly appreciated!​

Thanks
Andy​

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Gasket required or not??

I would remove it, especially with reusing the old bellows. the gasket may space the input bearing box far enough away from the bellows to allow water intrusion.

 

[MainstreetUSA1]

Re: Gasket required or not??

Rodbolt,

Thanks for the reply. So is it the bearing carrier (drive input shaft) pressing against the rubber drive bellows what prevents water intrusion to the gimbal bearing and or u-joints?

I'll pull the drive and lose the paper gasket. The paper gasket must just be required for OMC Cobras not SX's.

Thanks Again,
Andy​