Seals. old vs new

[cc67]

I've re-sealed a couple of older lower units recently and noticed that the original shaft and prop seals appear to be more robust than their modern replacements. It appears to me that they would lend some needed support to a unit with worn bushings. I started to tear into my 54 Evinrude 15hp lower unit, but now I'm reluctant to replace the shaft seal with a new one because it feels tight and doesn't leak. The prop seal was toast but I have an original style seal for it.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Seals. old vs new

Use the new seals! The new ones will have more supple seals, while the old ones maybe prone to cracking and are undoubtedly worn, even if not visibly so... The newer seals are often less substantial for the reason that they started adding the little spring inside the lip to help with sealing. They simply didn't need more material to accomplish the same thing...
- Scott