rubber vs. nylon washer lower unit drain plugs

[davidkockler]

I read the posts on using nylon washers with certain style drain plugs. I found some neoprene (flat) gaskets at the hardware store and am wondering why not use them instead of single use nylon washers? They sure are going to provide a tighter seal than nylon.

 

[JB]

Re: rubber vs. nylon washer lower unit drain plugs

Not.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: rubber vs. nylon washer lower unit drain plugs

I tried rubber washers/gaskets from the hardware store. They were distorted and did not hold a good seal. I had the same problem with rubber O-rings. I guess the gaskets are made of rigid material for a reason.

 

[Scali]

Re: rubber vs. nylon washer lower unit drain plugs

I like the blue merc gaskets, I believe these are a new design, this is my first merc in 20 years but thet are hard & seal well.<br />& Yes I do reuse them, they come off looking new..

 

[tommays]

Re: rubber vs. nylon washer lower unit drain plugs

i find the merc gasket has a crush the first time its tightened and does not if reused<br /><br />tommays

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: rubber vs. nylon washer lower unit drain plugs

I usually just end up making my own with a set of punches when I run out. Tried rubber gaskets and they didn't work properly since you couldn't tighten the screw down to the point where you would be confident it wouldn't come loose.<br />I wish they would just use pipe plugs instead...

 

[Scali]

Re: rubber vs. nylon washer lower unit drain plugs

Ive got a quick interesting story.<br />My latest skiff {13 Whaler, 40 Merc} bought last season I used 71 times thus far.<br />After my first few trips last year right after buying the boat I drained & checked the oil & it was a little milky.<br />I changed the oil every 10 trips { I trailer the boat & the gearcase holds 10 ounces, piece of cake } ..<br />I did the impeller over the winter but forgot about the seals, after my first 10 trips of this season, changed the oil & it was indeed still milky.<br />I continued to change the oil every 10 trips but the last 2 times the oil came out looking perfect, amber 100 % water free.<br />It's like the seal has stopped leaking or repaired itself as crazy as it sounds, I use that elcheapo lubrimatic gear oil { which I like } & Mercury washers..<br />I wonder if it's got something to do with the additive package in the oil sealing it ?<br />I doubt it, I know..<br />Or maybe I've been able to get a better bite on the plugs when tightening them with the screwdriver { the slots are a little chewed up??}