lower unit drain plugs- OK to use rubber washers?

[davidkockler]

I read a post here that said if the drain plug has no undercut at the end of the threads, you should use a single-use nylon washer. Can you use a rubber washer? The rubber washer should seal well even when reused. It is a tad thicker than the nylon washer, but not enough to be a problem. <br /><br />Anyone know why nylon washers are used on some drain plugs?

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: lower unit drain plugs- OK to use rubber washers?

I've tried rubber O-rings and rubber flat washers. I've found that they distort and squeeze out of place and leak when the screw is torqued in. Maybe there is a proper way to do this, but so far, they haven't worked for me. Give it a try, run it for an hour in the water, then drain and see how it looks - maybe it will work for you.

 

[GlasV162]

Re: lower unit drain plugs- OK to use rubber washers?

I suggest using whatever the mfr. recommends; we're talking about saving a few pennies on a couple of seals that, if they're not the right ones, could ultimately cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars in lower unit repairs.

 

[F_R]

Re: lower unit drain plugs- OK to use rubber washers?

Many moons ago they used washers made of gasket material. You might get a few uses out of them if lucky. Then they went to nylon washers, much tougher, and several uses if you are lucky. Then they went to o-rings, much better. If you are going to the dealer to get washers, just spend another buck or so and get the plugs with o-rings and be done with it. They are all interchangable, size-wise.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: lower unit drain plugs- OK to use rubber washers?

I tried hard rubber O-rings and ended up with water in the gearcase..I would stick with nylon...

 

[iwombat]

Re: lower unit drain plugs- OK to use rubber washers?

Yep same here - nylon only from now on. I just by 'em in the 10-pack and keep a few around for when I change the gearcase oil. Schleping back and forth to the dealer for washers gets old real quick.