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

[Don]

Yes, sure looks like the shift interlock spring to me also…
And yeah, that midsection does look like it was repainted..
I wouldn’t take the gearcase apart unless there is evidence of water inside. Yes, I realize that you can not evaluate the clutch dog/gear lugs without disassembly, but I would take my chances….Sealing these units up properly is not as easy as everyone seems to believe.
Yes, pulling the intake covers is less invasive than pulling the head, less time and money spent as well. I would not pull off that exhaust cover, but attempt to retorque the cover bolts though…
I wouldn’t worry about the 25hp wrist pins, never heard any complaints about wear on these engines…
As a matter of fact, when it comes to the 10hps, seems like I have only heard/seen complaints on the 58-59 models, even though older models used the same components. Often wondered if the newer 10hps that used the smaller flywheel/gearcase spun up higher RPMs that triggered the sloppy wrist pin issues…