shift rod seal replacement

[nigelbear]

I have a 1957 evinrude 35 horse Big Twin motor that is leaking water through the shift rod seal. The rebuild kit includes this seal, but there is a bushing that holds it in that is not included in the kit. Is this retainer/bushing reuseable, and if so is there a secret way to get it out undamaged. I know it calls for a special tool for removal, can anyone send me a picture of this tool so I can make it myself? Any help is appreciated.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: shift rod seal replacement

I use a long, slightly tapered punch to do it. Special Tool #304514 is the real tool, and I think it's basically a rod slightly larger than the hole in the bushing, with the tip turned down a bit so it fits inside the bushing to index the tool. <br />The bushing takes a good whack to get out, but it is reusable. Getting it back in is much easier than getting it out. OMC makes tool #304515 to install it, but it's really unnecessary. It's a much larger punch with a turned down end to hold the bushing and seal (o-ring) together. <br />I've been meaning to make this tool. I might have some useful dimentions soon.

 

[ezeke]

Re: shift rod seal replacement

Go here and get the whole set, you will be the most popular guy on the waterfront. $10.00 seal removal tools - brand new.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: shift rod seal replacement

Ezeke - I'm afraid the smallest sized driver there (3/8) is far too large for this bushing. It needs to be something just strong of 1/4", but not much larger. Tool #304514 is apparently not very expensive...

 

[ezeke]

Re: shift rod seal replacement

How about this one? $6.99 - Go for it

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: shift rod seal replacement

You've really got to see this bushing. The tool needs rod with an OD of 9/32. 17/64ths is too small and will mess up your bushing. Any larger than 9/32 won't fit my gear case anyway. The rod needs to be around 8" long minimum. The shift rod itself is 1/4" (Mine measures .248).<br />EDIT: ~.300 -.290 seems better than 9/32 (.281)

 

[rodbolt]

Re: shift rod seal replacement

Hello<br /> the absolute easyist way to remove the seal is use a 5/16-18 tap and tap the bushing about 1/2 way down or so. it is soft enough that no drilling is required. then thred in an old bolt and drive it out with the punch.I also use a piece of all thread and a nut to remove some of them. depends on the gearcase. your case is simple. just tap the bushing and place a bolt in it then drive it out. reinstall it with a 3/8ths extension just place the hollow sqaure end over the bushing to brevent damage to the shift shaft hole. coat the bushing with adhesive m before installing.<br />Good luck and keep posting

 

[ezeke]

Re: shift rod seal replacement

Hi Rodbolt,<br /><br />I just did it your way on a old 9.5. It took 3.47 minutes to get it out including finding my taps. Thanks, I'll use that trick again.

 

[rolmops]

Re: shift rod seal replacement

Hello.<br />The way I get mine out is with a 1/4" threaded rod which I set on top of the bushing. Some convincing taps of the hammer.It usually takes about 10 seconds.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: shift rod seal replacement

Oh - that must be the gearcase where the bushing comes out from the top (water pump side)? If that's the case, ignore my posts.<br />The one where you have to drive the bushing into the gearcase to get it out is a real pain in the neck to get out.

 

[rolmops]

Re: shift rod seal replacement

Hello again.<br />No it is inserted from the bottom up.It might be because I always lubricate it with lower unit sealant and that stuff never dries up. Also there is no corrosion or electrolysis between the copper and the brass.If there is a problem, you can always heat the brass with a small torch, that usually does the trick.

 

[nigelbear]

Re: shift rod seal replacement

Thanks for the advice, I still might get another month out of the boat before I work on it but this info will help greatly. I have just been changing it out frequently to get through this summer.

 

[joeicnfxit]

Re: shift rod seal replacement

Hay Rodbolt
You made my day its now 2010 feb 20 and i used the 5/16 tap to get my shift rod bushing out worked like a charm thanks ...GREAT TIP GUY,S !! Joe