Reply To: 1956 OMC 15HP Crank Seal

[frankr]

OK, here are a couple of my thoughts.  First off, I can’t remember whether those things split and fell off, or stretched or heat-expanded, or what.  I suppose 60 or 70 years is excuse enough to forget.  But I do remember removing gearcases for water pump service and finding the ring dropped down on top of the pump housing.  And/or discovering it too late, after powerhead destruction happened.

I agree, Locktite seems to be a logical solution now.  But was it even invented yet in 1956?  I do think they were pressed on or shrinked on back in The Day.  I certainly think I’d try the Locktite solution if I had one to fix now.

How common?  Well common enough that I replaced two or three powerheads under warranty—and we weren’t even Evinrude dealers yet.

Pretty sure you could see it if the powerhead is off.