I removed my outdrives to check the bellows, u-joints and engine alignment. All looks great. I will be replacing all the o-ring seals. The manual states to use 92-86166-1 3M brand adhesive on the ones that seal the outdrive housing. ishopmarine dot com says this has been superseded by 9286166Q1 bellows adhesive. I was picturing an aerosol type like 3M Contact 80 (see link). What do you guys recommend? What is the best thing to use for removing the old adhesive? Also, where is the best place to buy all these o-rings and small stuff on-line? Any other tips are appreciated. Thanks.


http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...glF4GT15FZTJbl

Now I know some of you work on your own boats... This is my first outdrive install. How 'bout a little help for the rookie?

Bam Marine is a good place for the seals. As far as the adheasive wire brush or acetone either way the paint is coming off..

I'd have to say I don't see why the spray adheasive wouldn't work.

This stuff works good, Just wait till it get's tacky to put the O rings on, It will not take to long. it's called gasgacinch gasket sealer, And the brush that comes with it makes it easier and cleaner to applly.

http://www.google.com/products?sourc...ed=0CB4QzAMwAg

#m weather strip adhesive works good also,you can get it at your local auto parts..like mentioned acetone works well or non chlorinated brake cleaner works also..Apply with a rag and keep the rag wet with it and it will come off..

On my 2 previous Bravo transom plate intstals I only used a decent quality grease on the main perimeter seal. One boat has been over 20 years with no leaks or problems and the other I sold last spring and it was done 12 years ago. I will be doing another in the spring exactly the same way. As long as transom surface is clean and straight you shouldn't need a sealer.

Thanks guys. Great info.

I just use a small amount of RTV...Rob

On those O-rings it is really about holding them in place while you fumble and cuss to put the drive back on.

If you pulled the bellows off USE bellows adhesive to put them back on....

I never cared for the Merc method of holding teh o-rings in. The adhesive (weatherstriping adhesive I assumed) was always stiff.
I prefer the o-rings to stay flexible and just use a dab of grease to hold them on. Just reach inside the bellows for a nice amount of grease.
Try not to scratch the paint off if possible while cleaning the old stuff off. Bare aluminum will corrode easy.