seal between motor and exhaust housing 1977 25 hp johnson

[brickster]

Could anybody tell me about the sealing material between motor and exhaust housing on 77-25 johnson. Thought is was a blown out base gasket but after dissassembly found it to be a sealing material not listed on schematic directly outside of the base gasket. Can it be eliminated?

 

[racerone]

????---But that seal is listed on the spare parts schematic less than $20.00 too.---------Listed under the MOTOR COVER group.

 

[boobie]

What's the motor doing that you want to replace it ??