Lower unit plugs

[volnavy001]

I just changed the lower unit oil on my 1990 Johnson 15hp outboard and noticed that there was not gaskets or o rings on the screws. Is this ok? There was not any water in the lower unit.

 

[racerone]

No there should be a seal on the screws.-----Some screws have an o-ring in a groove.-----Double check and see if the nylon washer stayed in the housing.----Caution.----Make sure you have the screws sealed as the price of new gears / bearings will shock you.

 

[volnavy001]

I double checked and the gaskets/ o-rings were definitely not there. I bought original omc replacement gaskets (the same ones listed in the manual) but when I installed them the screws would not seat flush with the lower unit housing which worried me. What am I missing?

 

[kbait]

I think the drain plugs that year should have o-ring seals in the plugs themselves. If not, use what you have now. Won’t be exactly flush, but will seal your gearcase normally.

 

[thatone123]

I've come across this also in the same outboard and there did not seem to be any seal unless I missed it.

 

[boobie]

The drain plugs that require O-rings have gruves in them for the o-ring. Don't use the 311598 flat washer on them.

 

[volnavy001]

OK. I talked to a local guy who said they probably seal themselves. Thanks for all the help.

 

[racerone]

???----" Seal themselves "----That sounds good.-------Hopefully you have checked the price of gears and bearings should water get in there.------There have to be seals on those plugs !!!

 

[boobie]

This local guy must be "local".

 

[Crosbyman]

at the very least I would wrap a few layers of the heavier ...yellow teflon tape...

if you look up the parts diagram it shows a o-ring so better put one in

http://www.marineengine.com/newparts/part_details.php?pnum=OMC0333572