55HP Chrysler Lower Unit Question

[7355hpchry]

I'm about to reseal the lower unit on my 1973 55HP. I have gear oil leaking from the water inlet screen area. I'm willing the bet the lower drive shaft seal is leaking. I have the lower unit off and here is the problem. There is a collar on the drive shaft about 2 inches from the top, where it goes into the power head. How the hell do I get that collar off so I can remove the water pump parts?

The collar is on the shaft tighter than s&*^!! It almost looks like it and the drive shaft are 1 piece. There must be a way to remove it, because the water pump impeller looks new. My repair manual has nothing at all in it about having to remove a collar from the drive shaft to do a water pump. Neither the water pump housing nor the impeller it's self will even come close to fitting over this collar.

The Clymer manual states " remove the screws holding water pump housing to lower unit and lift off drive shaft." No can do with that collar on the drive shaft.

My only other option is to separate the the lower unit ,remove the pinion gear bolt and pull the drive shaft up through the hole. This would make replacing the impeller a MAJOR, MAJOR pain in the arse. How do I get that collar off the drive shaft

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 55HP Chrysler Lower Unit Question

Older 55s had the drive shaft just slip into the pinion. However, they were the 35, 45, 55 single carb series engines. If yours is the dual carb 55, then the lower unit is like the bigger ones with a nut on the pinion.

At any rate, the top collar is meant to hold a rubber seal and it slips on and off the shaft. I believe it will not be a machined part of the shaft.It may be tight from corrosion and may need to be persuaded with 16-22 ounce psychology working on an aluminum or brass drift.