49-51 Merc steering gearbox help

[Mac VP]

The cover gasket for this box is not made anywhere. We have the ability to have it made but we do not have a sample to work from. I'd like to find one of the original gaskets (8M-3581) and/or the cover itself (8M-3580) from which to have the correct gasket made. If anyone has even a used cover they could lend, we'd appreciate hearing from you. Thanks in advance!
Mac VanPelt
VANPELT SALES
513-724-9486
[email protected]

[Rand]

I have a complete 50 box in my garage.
How can I help?
[email protected]

[rotorwrench]

It's been so long since I overhauled one of mine that I can't remember where I purchased the gaskets. All of my favorite Mercury parts sources are gone now. Southside Obsolete may have the sector cap gasket. I used to get stuff like that from Stacy Brown but he's gone too. Mine is in the car for the one at my location. The other is stored in KS.

I also have multiple thicknesses of sheet gasket material so I may have made one that approximated the original. The only gasket that is Mercury specific is that one. The shim gaskets for the steering shaft are a B prefix. I may have even found an NOS one on flea-pay but my memory is clouded by all the helicopter components I overhauled since. Getting older doesn't help my memory either.

PS: I may have tried a 7RC-3581 or a 7RT-3581 gasket as well. They are very similar since the 53-55 C & D used an 8M-3580-B cap but older F1 types are also similar.

[Mac VP]

Rand, thanks for your offer to help. The gasket is what I want to reproduce. Southside Obsolete does not have either the gasket or the cap. I would like to get both pieces….the actual gasket (or a piece of the gasket) to measure for correct thickness…..and the cap so that we can duplicate the pattern of the perimeter and hole location. An original NOS gasket would be fine except it may have shrunk. That’s why I wanted the cover as well. I’d be happy to return the cover when we’re done with it, and will replace the gasket with a couple new ones when they are finished. The pieces can be mailed to our post office box 327 in Batavia, Ohio 45103. Your offer will help others trying to restore their Mercs.

[Rand]

Which of the two emails is best to communicate with you? I would like to send you a couple pictures.
It would be an honor to help if I can?
Randy

[mercman from oz]

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[Mac VP]

Originally Posted by Rand

Which of the two emails is best to communicate with you? I would like to send you a couple pictures.
It would be an honor to help if I can?
Randy

Our regular email contact is: [email protected]

[Mr Bob]

contact Earl at Lares Corp. He rebuilt my box and may have the gasket template you are looking for 1-800-555-0767

[Rand]

Mac VP.
Lid is being mailed off to you tomorrow
Sorry to say the gasket stuck to the lid and the box itself. It is very thin. I can send a picture of what's left of the gasket if that helps?

[Mac VP]

I just need the actual thickness of the gasket material. If there’s a scrap left on the cover I may be able to carefully scrape it off and mic it. Thanks for your help!

[Rand]

No good. Some stuck to the lid and some stuck to the box