1956 Johnson 15 Drive Shaft Seal Removal

[HOSMike]

Hi Guy's

Need info on drive shaft seal in lower unit of the 1956 Johnson 15. The seal is located under the water pump plate and seals the drive shaft into the lower unit pinion gear. Have looked for info to no avail. Looks like it must be removed from inside split lower unit but don't know how. I believe this is the original seal. Any suggestions or techniques for removal. I cannot see a seam to remove the seal from the water pump side.

Help!!!

Thanks in advance

 

[F_R]

Re: 1956 Johnson 15 Drive Shaft Seal Removal

You are supposed to have the special tool to pull it out from the water pump side. You cannot access it from below. Of course, nobody has the special tool, but just get it out anyway they can. Whatever you do, be careful not to crack the aluminum housing around the seal. A Dremel tool is great to carve it away if you happen to have one. Just pretend you are your dentist and r-r--r--z-z--z.

 

[HOSMike]

Re: 1956 Johnson 15 Drive Shaft Seal Removal

I have a dremel but I am not sure what I should grind away. Could I use a seal puller?
Please advise.

Thanks again for your prompt reply and help

Hosmike

 

[fiftiesoutboards]

Re: 1956 Johnson 15 Drive Shaft Seal Removal

The seal is usually pretty well stuck in place after all these years. I just completed a lower unit reseal job, and pulled mine out by grabbing the upper edge with vise grips and rocking the pliers back to exert upward pull. I had to do this at several points around the seal, but eventually it started to budge and came out no problem. You're not caring about the seal as you do this, but you don't want to damage the aluminum casing, so be careful. It wouldn't hurt to let some penetrating oil do its thing before starting the extraction process.

 

[HOSMike]

Re: 1956 Johnson 15 Drive Shaft Seal Removal

Thanks
You're right the seal was stuck Almost A solid part of the housing. Lot's of corrosion. Finally had to completely destroy the seal and all it's parts seperately to get it out. Finally realized what the Dremel was for after I took a wire brush to the top and actually saw the seal body. Thanks for the advice!

One other question, I read somewhere that water pressure from the water pump actually forces the seal around the shaft, with that in mind if true should the seal be put in upside down (ie the seal spring visible )or the right side with the seal face up and the spring for the seal facing down into the lower unit rather than facing the water pump plate?

Once again thanks in advance for your welcome advice!

Hosmike