Stumped local dealer - extra hole spot in gasket - leave it or cut it? and what yr

[WA-Newb]

I was putting the powerhead back on my supposed "1977" 35 HP and noticed the gasket the dealer gave me didn't fit.
Went back to him with my exhaust tube and my model number...he double checked and said I did indeed have the right gasket but he saw it would not fit.

He brought a box of gaskets out and we started going through them...finally found one that is almost perfect...only issue is there is one extra bolt hole in it for something my motor does not have or need.

He told me to use it anyway and either cut it off or leave it.

Anyone know why this would be?

On one site it shows the gasket I now have is only used on 1985-2005 models but on another site it shows this gasket does indeed replace the original part number for the late '70s motors.

Click for the List of Motors This Gasket Is Used On

First Section Shows This Gasket Replaces old Part Number

ALSO...the model number on my ID tag shows 35e77H which is a 1977.
Looking at other part numbers I am seeing they almost all fit a later year...1979.

There is a plug in the cylinder cover (I think that's where it's at) and it has a number which matches a '79 model number.
Would this: 35RL79A be my motor instead of the '77 number?

Is there one easy way to tell what motor I have for sure? The Flywheel even has marker on it that says '84 35.

Extra hole exhaust tube


Extra hole power head


Motor Pics

 

[Haffiman]

Re: Stumped local dealer - extra hole spot in gasket - leave it or cut it? and what y

Cut away what is not needed.
You may have what is called a 'Frankenrude', an engine put together from different years of production, but I believe you may have a 77 anyway..
A superseded part number means it fits both newer and older versions like in your case. The original number however only fits the old versions.

 

[WA-Newb]

Re: Stumped local dealer - extra hole spot in gasket - leave it or cut it? and what y

Man I hope that's not the case...I just friggin bought a "GMChevy" truck a couple months ago too.
Thought it was a 69 GMC but soon after I bought it found out it was half GMC half Chevy, there went the resale value...lol

Well I guess I should get this motor back together and see if it work etc. before I sweat the years etc.
I will cut that piece away...thank you.

I would like to know if there is a way to determine what I have though..if there is.

 

[boobie]

Re: Stumped local dealer - extra hole spot in gasket - leave it or cut it? and what y

Agree with Haffiman + 1.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Stumped local dealer - extra hole spot in gasket - leave it or cut it? and what y

The plug in the powerhead shows as a 1979. The coils look even later, but that doesn't mean much - coils are easily replaced. They may match the flywheel if someone swapped in a later ignition (c. 1984).

Got any full-on shots of the motor? The cowling?

 

[WA-Newb]

Re: Stumped local dealer - extra hole spot in gasket - leave it or cut it? and what y

The plug in the powerhead shows as a 1979. The coils look even later, but that doesn't mean much - coils are easily replaced. They may match the flywheel if someone swapped in a later ignition (c. 1984).

Got any full-on shots of the motor? The cowling?

My camera is down by the motor right now (hopefully..lol) but here is a shot I had on my PC.
I can get a better one later.

View attachment 155122

Also...does anyone know if you need to take much off to change out the steering arm on this?
I have an older parts motor that came with a tiller handle (already off) and I may want to add it to this motor if it fits and isn't too much work. Not positive it will fit / work yet but one step at a time..lol

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Stumped local dealer - extra hole spot in gasket - leave it or cut it? and what y

You need to remove the saddle section to replace the tiller support bracket with one with the tiller base cast in. The bolts are all accessible - don't forget the hidden one in the center/top, accessible through a hole in the front, hidden a bit above the clamps and below the belly pan.

 

[Haffiman]

Re: Stumped local dealer - extra hole spot in gasket - leave it or cut it? and what y

If starting messing with that old set-up, calculate new rubber mounts into the budget.

 

[WA-Newb]

Re: Stumped local dealer - extra hole spot in gasket - leave it or cut it? and what y

You need to remove the saddle section to replace the tiller support bracket with one with the tiller base cast in.

Sigh...I am sorry but I don't know what the saddle section is referring to

If starting messing with that old set-up, calculate new rubber mounts into the budget.

Just wondering why?...I had to take one off before applying heat to get the shifter lever free and the bolt broke off...is that why? or do these wear out? And you are referring to the two mounts on the side right?

Thanks

 

[Haffiman]

Re: Stumped local dealer - extra hole spot in gasket - leave it or cut it? and what y

By experience, bolts breaks off and with rubber as major part, difficult to apply heat without some damage.