Replace it…or not replace it?

[gjonz]

Working on a 1957 Goodyear Sea Bee I picked up recently. Nice package deal with an original OMC generic fuel tank…non pressure type…the original documentation and a new outboard cart! 100.00

So here’s the dilemma? I seem to recall the early OMC 15’s had issues with a lower crank seal. IE; they went bad, allowed water into the power head and ruined them. Also the seal should be upside down compared to a normal lip seal. The lip should be facing downward…not upward toward the crankcase.

So I decided to pull the power head and have a look. Seems that the sea is original and is in face placed in its correct orientation relative to the power head.

So should I replace it or not? Seems flexible and solid from pushing on it a bit.

Also I believe Frank Robb posted a bulletin as to why the seal was to face outward. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Greg

[frankr]

They face outward on the Gale 12 because it is needed to keep water out of the powerhead. Keeping oil in is not an issue. In fact, older models didn’t even have a seal. But water ingestion was not a problem on those older ones either, due to their exhaust housing design.

As for your ’57, If it were me, I’d replace it. Cheap insurance. Once it lets water in, it is too late. Then you will find the first symptom—-a melted connecting rod.

[Mumbles]

I’ll post these again so you can see why the powerhead should be removed to at least check the condition of the lower seal.

[gjonz]

Thanks guys. I’ve done several 12’s and 15’s. I remembered they could go bad…really BAD! Mine is near perfect…but I’ll replace it anyway. Have a new OMC seal on its way.

Greg

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