Lower Unit Neoprene Washers/Vent-Drain

[Gerny]

Hi Guys,<br /> Wondering if anyone can tell me how to get<br /> new Neoprene washers for my 1986 35 HP<br /> Mercury engine. Getting water in the lower<br /> unit. Tried some O-Rings from the Auto<br /> parts store and they helped a little..<br /> but not good enough. I need them for the vent<br /> and drain (duh..guess the subject explains that!)<br /><br /> Thanks for any help!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Lower Unit Neoprene Washers/Vent-Drain

Welcome. Dealer will have them or here at iboats if you prefer...<br /><br /><br /> web page

 

[Gerny]

Re: Lower Unit Neoprene Washers/Vent-Drain

Thanks for the info Rick! I tried iboats 'search' but really couldn't hone in on just what those two<br />washers were. Looked like I'd be forced to buy a whole kit or something. I would prefer to mail order them as the nearest Dealer is 50 or so miles away. Some folks have told me to<br />"make my own washers" but I really don't like that idea.<br /><br />Thanks again for the info.. And anyone else..Please advise if you want or can.. Thanks!<br /><br />Joe

 

[Gerny]

Re: Lower Unit Neoprene Washers/Vent-Drain

Oh man.. I'm so sorry! I didn't see the link you provided, Rick.. Thanks so much. Honest, Really appreciate your help.<br /><br />Joe

 

[Gerny]

Re: Lower Unit Neoprene Washers/Vent-Drain

Originally posted by Gerny:<br /> Oh man.. I'm so sorry! I didn't see the link you provided, Rick.. Thanks so much. Honest, Really appreciate your help.<br /><br />Joe

Sorry to be a pain.. but I just looked at the link and this seems to look like my VENT plug and is listed for the Merc crusier.. though it's listed as the drain plug. I need both the vent and drain plug washers for an 86 35 HP engine.<br />My drain plug is a lot smaller than this.<br /><br />Thanks again..<br /><br />Joe

 

[gss036]

Re: Lower Unit Neoprene Washers/Vent-Drain

Check with Boaters World or West Marine, they carry all that kind of stuff. Both washers should be the same size. I have never seen a motor that used neoprene "O" rings, usually just flat paper type washers.

 

[ob]

Re: Lower Unit Neoprene Washers/Vent-Drain

gssO36.Many of the older lower units used "o" rings that fit into an undercut on the back side of the screw plug.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Lower Unit Neoprene Washers/Vent-Drain

A few thoughts - first, the washers are probably fiber, not neoprene. I've tried to make do with neoprene and they just don't work. Second, like ob said, they "could" be O rings, but O rings require a groove in the surface of the plug to hold them in place. If you try to use an O ring with a smooth flat plug surface, they will distort and not seal.<br /><br />Check oldmercs.com they probably have your seal, or try the mercruiser.com site - or your local dealer! All will probably need your serial number to make sure they get you the right washers. I used one of the above and was able to buy washers for fairly cheap, but they aren't dirt cheap, as you'd expect.

 

[Motor Boater Bill]

Re: Lower Unit Neoprene Washers/Vent-Drain

Last time I bought them, the big one was fifty cents, the little one was two bucks. Go figure.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Lower Unit Neoprene Washers/Vent-Drain

Yea, MMB - Iseem to remember the same thing, the large one was reasonable cost, the little one almost ridiculously expensive. I bought 1/2 doz of each anyway because I have been told to change them every time