Most people don’t realize what that seal is there for, much less how vital it is. Its job is to keep water out of the crankcase. If it is defective or missing, water can enter the crankcase, causing catastrophic damage. Not immediately, but eventually it will throw a rod. Then somebody will look at the pieces and declare it was ran without oil. I saw a lot of it back in “The Day” here in Salt Water Florida.
Most people also don’t realize the gasket is supposed to be glued to the round washer so it (the washer) doesn’t spin. Sealer 1000 was originally specified.
EDIT: I guess it goes without saying that this motor was scrapped because of salt water intrusion.
