transom seal questions

[john3mo]

I have a 1969 Mark Twain Mercruiser 160 I/O, I am replacing my transom assembly due to galvanic corrosion on the lip were the u-joint bellows attaches. (Most likely from saltwater exposure and given the age of the boat)

I have two questions, I have purchased a newer transom assembly that is in good shape and have the old transom assembly off of the boat. The transom wood looks excellent, no wood rot that I can see (this boat was stored in a dry garage for many years never left in the water except when in use). I went to a boat parts place and purchased a new transom assembly gasket and it is made of cork, now the one that came off with the original transom assembly appeared to be made of some kind of rubber.

My first question is will the cork gasket be suitable for my application or should I try to search the internet for a rubber transom assembly gasket?

My second question is when installing the gasket and transom assembly, to ensure no leaks should I use 3M 5200 adhesive on both sides of the gasket or should I only apply 3M 5200 adhesive to the side of the gasket that will be facing the boat transom and leave the side facing the transom assembly dry or vice versa?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: transom seal questions

If your new transom housing is flat, then use the gasket
Newer housings have a grooved recess to accept the rubber/ foam type seal

 

[Fishermark]

Re: transom seal questions

If your new transom assembly requires the o ring type of seal, then you can glue the o ring to the transom assembly using weatherstrip adhesive or bellows glue, then install dry. Instead of dry, you can even use a little lubricant that is used for o rings. (Like Vaseline - only use the silicone type with teflon. NOT RTV type of silicone, but the "vaseline" type of silicone).

Here is an example of what I am talking about. You can buy it wherever pool care supplies are sold: