lower unit oil screws not flush with exterior

[ianmoore]

I replaced my drain screws on the lower unit with newer hex screws. The previous screws had been missing their washers, which may have been contributing to water getting in the lower unit. With the washers, the drain screws, especially the lower one, are not flush with the exterior. My engine is a '59 50hp starflite, and i replaced the screws with modern replacements. I was told that they were interchangeable, but i'm wondering if that wa perhaps incorrect?

 

[nwcove]

i would guess that the old washers are still there??

 

[Tim Frank]

+1 ^^^
The screw can come out and leave the washer still in the recess.

 

[ianmoore]

I checked that. There was a bit of residue that i scraped out before remounting

 

[ianmoore]

I checked that. There was a bit of residue that i scraped out before remounting

 

[nwcove]

ive picked out the old fiber gaskets that i'd have sworn werent even there...they were as hard as hell and looked like part of the lu. jmo

 

[Tim Frank]

Compare/measure the head depth of the two different types of plug.
That should tell you whether there is a difference.
You'll need calipers or a depth gauge because nit doesn't take much extra height to look like a lot.