seal between drive shaft and crank????

[goodtimesfishing]

I changed the impeller in my 1988c force 50hp today. I found the seal at the top of the driveshaft (above brass retainer) was all chewed up and torn up with missing pieces. So my question is what exactly is this seal doing or what is it sealing. Is there any kind of damage to expect due to it's obvious failure? Shops around my area quote $29.95 for it and will have to order it. Why so expensive? I looked on line and most are the same price, give or take a buck or two. Then there is one place on line that has it for $1.20 not sure if I should order it and see what comes or not??? But my real question is what is this seal for and what damage should I expect???

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: seal between drive shaft and crank????

The drive shaft is stainless, but the crankshaft is hardened steel. It is exposed to moisture and exhaust so the seal is there to keep the two shafts from corroding together and cold welding. If you coat the splines with anti-seize and regularly remove the lower unit Each season), you can get away without the seal.

If you want to install it and forget it, then buy the seal. There should also be a steel collar or in your case a brass retainer that holds the seal in place on the drive shaft. The collar is set with the groove up. The seal is installed with the squared end into the groove on the collar and the beveled end against the crankshaft.