Merc 9.8HP Where does this O ring go? Pic

[32251]

I had to replace the water pump housing. The old metal one was crumbling apart. The replacement Mercury part is a composite that came with the bottom plate and an O ring. I cannot find any place that this O ring will fit that allows for the pump to be bolted back down. If you look at the bottom plate you will see some tabs one that inserts into the lower unit and one that inserts into the housing. Those tabs seem to block any place the O ring might fit either below or above the plate. There is an area around the bottom of the pump housing that looks like you could try to fit the O ring there, but then the studs don't protrude enough above the housing to screw the nuts onto. I am baffled by this. Do I even need this O ring on this mid 70s 9.8 or was it for another motor? Thanks.

 

[sschefer]

Re: Merc 9.8HP Where does this O ring go? Pic

If you remove the entire pump housing, that o-ring goes under it between it and the upper drive shaft bearing. Would I replace it, yes.

 

[32251]

Re: Merc 9.8HP Where does this O ring go? Pic

Thanks. I pulled out the bottom housing section and replaced the O ring.

Next time I will also replace the oil seal there too. Hardest part is to loosen up the water pipe at the vent section. Pretty much fused into one piece! A little WD40 and some wigglin' got it moving.

Thanks so much for your advice.