First to the thanks and congratulations. I know that many of you veterans may not read or reply to many of the posts that come from new members or folks who just pop on here to get an answer and then never resurface. Let me tell you from this side of the fence that many of us never post because we find all that we need just by reading. Thanks for all your years of wisdom in a few brief minutes.<br /><br />I have included below a picture of a deteriorated round washer that I found when I removed my lower unit. Unfortunately it was in pieces near the white arrow so I cannot determine where it came from. The motor is a 40 hp Mercury, 1985 model. My maintenance manual does not show or I cannot determine where it came from. <br /><br />Also notice that the boot (I know it belongs on the tach. axle?) has been grooved. It appears to not have lost its functionality, but I'm open to your thoughts.<br /><br />
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![f693a18b.jpg](http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid143/pacba63f7f92bebaabadd83ac399df231/f693a18b.jpg)
![f693a189.jpg](http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid143/p240a8d56fa6d0fa004808c17e75ed95f/f693a189.jpg)