Outdrive sealing washers?

mattias

mattias

Member
Jan 27, 2019
105
Powell, Ohio
Boat Info
240 SD

Tow Vehicle = 2014 Diesel Grand Cherokee
Engines
350 Mag
Bravo III drive
Can I replace my outdrive (bravo 3) lower unit drain / vent plug sealing washers with regular rubber gasket washers instead of the blue colored washers that were on it?
 
What would be the purpose of that? The existing style washer, although recommended to be replaced each year, can last many, many years. I know this because when I change these I sometimes ask owners when was the last time they changed the washers and they say "Uh, was I supposed to do that?"

Also... rubber tends to deteriorate. So, back to the original question... what is the purpose of doing that? Or, what is the reasoning behind wanting to change something that works extremely well?
 
Only cause it was recommended to change them when I change the gear lube every year?
 
I think they're now bright yellow - or maybe mine are a different part number. My old boat they were blue and a much more compressible material like some sort of fiber. The yellow ones I use now are more of a rubber and don't compress much. I ordered 4 from my parts guy, and he asked why I wanted so many! He only had 5 on hand. I kind of got the feeling even the marina doesn't replace them often.
I figured I'm going to start replacing them every other year.
 
You can buy the yellow or the blue. The yellow gaskets are $4.00 each and the blue gaskets are $1.00 each. Either one will work but the blue gaskets can't be reused since they compress during the sealing. If you plan on reusing your gaskets then buy the yellow.
 
Thanks for all the great info! It sounds like using the yellow ones (not reusing the blue) is the way to go! Can I use black rubber ones until those come in?
 
I'd be careful with rubber, some can swell up and get gummy when exposed to oil for long periods. Another issue is sometimes rubber can allow a plug to work loose and leak. I'd stick with the fiber gaskets. They come in 10 packs for a couple bucks. I change my every year, simple, easy and cheap compared to the alternative of a leak or water intrusion.
 
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