Picture of Surface Abrasion at Head Bearing Assembly

[KVH]

This is a picture of some slight surface abrasion I'm seeing after removing the head bearing assembly on my Evinrude 200, Vindicator, 1996.

I understand that there's no need for any gasket sealer here, but from the factory there was a slight film of grey silicone--I think.

Shouldn't I put at least a little in there? And what is that abrasion all about--is that from the loose bolts that I'm now replacing? My head assembly was loose, and, as I've "belabored" before, there was an old Recall about that due to factory screw-ups in the torque process.

Thanks.

 

[Haffiman]

Re: Picture of Surface Abrasion at Head Bearing Assembly

The only place I believe the factory has ever used silicone of any sort on powerhead sealing/mating surfaces has been around the cooling channels on the 60 degree loopers.
It might have been a thin coating of gel Seal II, but no silicone. If by any chance silicone is present, it might be a previous owner has been there which may even explain loose bolts. Block and head being of slightly different alloys may explain the abbreviation and does not look like anything to worry about. The sealing itself is taken care of by the O-rings and crank shaft seal.