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I stumbled into a problem with my 1992 Johnson GT200 that was turning out to be a big deal that no local mechanic's or online remedies could fix without spending big dollars.

In the mid 80's through 1992 Johnson/Evinrude V-4-V-6 and V-8 motors used a control valve to put pressure on the thermostats at low rpm keeping them closed to keep the motors warm at low rpm. The problem is most of these control valves now drip or spray water under the hood while the motor is running and the seal to remedy the problem has been discontinued for years.

People may not know theirs is leaking unless they run the motor with the cover off. The valve is on the starboard side behind the throttle linkage.

The OMC part number for the seal is #0329787 cost around $20.00 which is listed everywhere online as obsolete. After trying for days to find one with out any luck I began doing research on a pretty expensive upgrade to the spring system the newer models used.

Today I was recommended to try a shop that sells hydraulic seals. After a quick measurement from the guy behind the counter he came back with the exact seal at a cost of $1.50.

I bought a couple extra, gave two the the mechanic that recommended the place and came home to test the seal in my motor....The new seal doesn't leak a drop!

The part number on the bag he gave me is QR-4210. A quick google search brings this up: QR-4210, QR-70NBR-3/4x1/8-C/S(5), STANDARD QUAD RINGS

They are online for $1.59...Far cry from OMC's $20.40!!!

This literally is a 10 minute fix after you get the seal....Very important to make certain that you put the cover back on the valve exactly as it came off. It can be installed 180 degrees off reversing the design which will make the motor hot at high speeds and cold at low speeds.

Hope this helps,

Vance