Gearbox screw seals

[Anthony22]

Would I be entirely wrong in thinking that the seal on drain/vent screws on a gearbox could be replaced with any 'bog standard' o-ring? Rather than trying to track down the exactly specific Mercury part number?

Thanks!

[Marinautic]

No, the correct seal is a fibre type washer. Probably got them on the shelf, I can have a look in the morning if you'd like, then pop a couple in the post to you.

[alystra]

Originally Posted by Marinautic

No, the correct seal is a fibre type washer. Probably got them on the shelf, I can have a look in the morning if you'd like, then pop a couple in the post to you.

Fibre washers on mine, but just serviced the water pump using Mercury's service kit. I gulped at the price but then found it's actually a complete new water pump, including the shaft seals and the little washers for the gearbox plugs. These are a yellow and blue plastic material. I hope they're ok.

By the way Gareth, thanks for help with the shaft bush thingy. All sorted and refitted.

[Anthony22]

Originally Posted by Marinautic

No, the correct seal is a fibre type washer. Probably got them on the shelf, I can have a look in the morning if you'd like, then pop a couple in the post to you.

PM sent.

[Marinautic]

Posted this morning!

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by Anthony22

Would I be entirely wrong in thinking that the seal on drain/vent screws on a gearbox could be replaced with any 'bog standard' o-ring?

Standard Buna O-Rings don't play nice with petroleum products. The oils peneetrate and alter the material, usually causing it to go soft and mushy and lose elasticity.

jky