SEAL AND GASKETS KIT

Function and Technical Context

This seal and gasket kit is specifically designed for 5.5 and 6 HP outboard motors manufactured between 1955 and 1967, featuring a two-piece stern and an exhaust integrated into the cavitation fin—a configuration characteristic of that generation of lightweight motors. The seals and gaskets are part of the powertrain’s sealing system, sealing the joints between the engine section and the tail to prevent seawater from entering the internal components and to prevent lubricant from leaking out. Poor sealing at these points can lead to accelerated corrosion of internal parts, loss of lubrication in the drive shaft, and progressive structural damage to the tail section. Since these are engines with decades of use, periodic replacement of these sealing components is essential to maintain the mechanical integrity of the assembly and ensure reliable operation in the water.

When should this part be replaced?

The most common signs of wear in stern seals and gaskets include the appearance of oil streaks in the water around the motor, moisture or saltwater ingress into the stern housing, unusual shaft vibration, or difficulty maintaining a seal after tightening the connecting flanges. It is recommended to visually inspect these components during every seasonal maintenance check and replace them at the first sign of stiffness, cracking, or deformation of the elastomer. Replacing the kit as a preventive measure at the start of each boating season prevents costly breakdowns and unexpected downtime, especially in vintage engines where sealing components have accumulated years of thermal and chemical exposure.

Compatible Johnson/Evinrude Engines

Equivalent Manufacturer Part Numbers