Re: 55 RDE-17, 25 hp, Power Head O-rings, etc

[Don]

OK, just reading this post…
That powerhead looks great, nice job cleaning it up, no need to repaint it…Looks like you have already prepped the pans for paint.
Beautiful job cleaning up that mag plate…I’m guessing this engine is one of the ones with the crazy recirc system that is designed to pull excess oil down to the intake from that upper bearing, which is why there is no oring between the upper bearing and the crankcase. Please inspect this system carefully, you sure don’t want oil sprayed on that nice mag plate.
Pulling the powerhead was a great idea to inspect the lower carbon seal and replace the oring, be sure to clean those crank/driveshaft splines before coating the driveshaft splines with moly lube just prior to reassembly. With the powerhead off, you can sneak a peek up into the exhaust ports to get a look at the piston skirts and rings. I’m guessing the powerhead is OK, the readings are a little low probably just because you couldn’t get the flywheel rotating fast enough using the rope notches in the flywheel. If you are still in doubt, then go ahead and pull the head to have a better look.
Have you drained the lower unit lube yet? I would do that before doing the impeller to see whether or not you will have to reseal the gearcase, inspect the clutch dog/gear lugs. Be careful using the heat around that lower clamshell, you might burn up the lower mounts, keep an extinguisher handy. But, wasting the mounts is better than shearing off a bolt in the exhaust housing.
Finally, looks like those mercury switches have been messed with, so that system will have to be inspected. I have often wondered if there is a way to "upgrade" the older mercury switch systems to the set up on the newer engines that don’t using those pesky mercury switches….
I love the 55 Johnson colors and graphics, this engine is surely worth the investment in time to bring her back. I feel that oftentimes a less than perfect original paint job looks much better (with a little cleaner/wax) than a respray, not much can match the original factory paint. Sure, we have seen some outstanding refinish/repaint jobs that are much better than the original paint, but that surely required a big investment in time and the knowledge it takes to do a paint job that will last.
I know you will be happy with this engine, we can’t wait to see/hear her alive again…