Force 85 Lower Shift Rod Seal

[Mark9740]

Is it hard to replace the seal for the lower shift rod? Mine is leaking water into my lower unit. I will try to do it this fall after I get off the water.

Thanks

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Force 85 Lower Shift Rod Seal

Relatively easy. After draining and dropping the lower unit, lay it on its side. Unscrew the lower shift rod and pull out. thread a lag bolt onto the seal and pull it out. . Re thread the shift rod back in--if the block it threads into has moved and you can not thread it, then you must remove the water pump and torpedo shaped cover so you can see.

Slide the seal over the shift rod and using an appropriately sized socket and a length of pipe, drive the seal home, metal side up. Tap and compress until the shift rod drags a bit but still moves smoothly and doen't bind. That's it.

 

[Mark9740]

Re: Force 85 Lower Shift Rod Seal

Thanks Frank. As I said, I'll give it a try this fall. Sounds straightforward.