water tube seal

I have started back on a 1986 Black Max150. The water tube and the seal had come out when I was replacing the water pump. Is there a way to replace the seal without tearing the engine apart. An outboard mechanic suggested using a long wooden pole notched at the top to fit the seal and push it in place from the bottom. Is there a possibility this might work?

I am not sure. The only way I can think of is to put the seal on the top end of the water tube. Now wrap some electrical tape around the water tube to hold the seal in place at the end of the tube. Tilt the motor all the way up, lube the seal with some oil and shine a flashlight up the midsection. Now try to push and wiggle the seal into place.

I had that seal come out on my '77 IL6 and ended up pulling the powerhead to reinstall it. Hopefully you will be luckier than me.

What holds the seal in place when removing the lower unit ? If just friction, then Maby replacing it with a new one might give the friction needed to hold it in place.

airshot said:

What holds the seal in place when removing the lower unit ? If just friction, then Maby replacing it with a new one might give the friction needed to hold it in place.

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The seal in question is the same one that goes in the outlet of the waterpump. It is a friction fit, however, it is easy to push into the waterpump with a finger, but not so easy to push it into the bottom of the exhaust extension on the top inside of the midsection. You cannot get your hand in there, and if you push it into the exhaust extension with a pole, it might be hard to get the watertube to seat in it.

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to give it some thought. I have read the bolts holding the power head are really tough to remove. As I get older, these projects are getting harder. Could be a long-time project

The bolts holding the powerhead on Mercs are SS lock nuts. They are not usually an issue. Breaking the powerhead loose from the midsection can be an issue. You need to lift 'em straight and with a 250+# powerhead, that can be tricky.


Tilt it up, get a flashlight, take a look and maybe it can happen.

tha "seal" in question is tha one that presses into tha end of tha crank.. it keeps water out of tha bottom of tha motor.... part number: https://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury/products/54196a6-seal-carrier-assembly (ya need all three pieces)... once it comes lose it will not stay even if ya lucky enough ta get it back in place.. beside being pressed in its held in with red loctite... ya might as well pull tha power head and replace tha wright way........... jmo

I balk at the Idea of pulling the power head. guess i should check with a professional