Changing seals on my lower unit.

[little.boat]

I have the service manual for my 1984 200hp Mercury V6. I'm going to change the waterpump and impeller. I thought since I was in there I would change the seals behind the propeller shaft. My manual says I need a specific puller C-91-46086A1. I also noticed that this puller had no lips on the jaws and basically wedges the thrust washer between the jaws instead of grabbing and pulling it. I was wondering if you guys actually bought this specific puller or if you just use a regular puller with the jaws or what your method of removing the thrust washer is? I looked this puller up and it is $200 not including the specific puller bolt I need at a additional cost. I can go and borrow a regular puller at the auto parts store for free. However I don't want to do this if I'm going to tear some stuff up. Thanks in advance.

 

[little.boat]

Re: Changing seals on my lower unit.

No one on here changes the seals in their lower? Surely someone else has some experience doing this and could help me out please.

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: Changing seals on my lower unit.

Are you changing the bearing carrier seals or just the prop shaft and drive shaft seals? Is the lower unit leaking? Are you getting water in the gear oil? If your oil is clean, there would be no need to pull the bearing carrier. The seals on the prop shaft and drive shaft can be removed without pulling anything.

 

[wired247]

Re: Changing seals on my lower unit.

I just unscrew the retainer and pop the carrier out with a slide hammer. Havent lost one yet.

 

[little.boat]

Re: Changing seals on my lower unit.

No water in the gear case that I know of. I just bought this motor and I did check the oil before I brought it home however i was just going through and kinda doing all the routine type maintenance I could think of. Since I don't know when it was done last and the previous owner could have had water in it changed oil and I look at it with new oil and it looks ok, you just never know. I rebuilt carbs and fuel pump, changed fuel filter and lines, going to do water pump and impeller and figured I'd do the seals too maybe I won't though.

 

[racerone]

Re: Changing seals on my lower unit.

The thrust washer directly in front of the prop usually just slides off.-----Lower units are routinely pressure tested to look for leaks if there are any.

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: Changing seals on my lower unit.

Pressure test the unit and see if it leaks. If not? You are good to go. If the oil is clear and not milky? You are good to go as well. (Pulling a bearing carrier is usually not considered routine maintenance.)

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Changing seals on my lower unit.

Experience has shown me that the seal in the waterpump base if far more likely to leak than the propshaft seal.

 

[Dukedog]

Re: Changing seals on my lower unit.

Slide hammer works best. Don't use a regular puller. Tha tangs are to long and may drag across tha threads for tha retainer nut screwin' 'em up if for some reason its hard ta get out. A gear case isn't something ya wanna jump on unless ya got some experience and/or someone ya can fall back on if all doesn't go as planned. If it ain't broke.....................jmo

 

[little.boat]

Re: Changing seals on my lower unit.

Experience has shown me that the seal in the waterpump base if far more likely to leak than the propshaft seal.

I planed on rebuilding the waterpump. I am assuming this seal would come with that kit.

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: Changing seals on my lower unit.

The new water-pump kit will come with everything you need from the base and plate up, but it will not come with the double oil seals under the water pump base and plate. Again, if your oil is clean, then most likely the seals are fine. Get it all back together and pressure test it. If it holds...then you are golden.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Changing seals on my lower unit.

As TD said, the driveshaft seal is not part of your waterpump rebuild kit. You normally would buy a new water pump base to get a new seal. Make sure you clean and lube the driveshaft so you do not teal the new seal, before installing. Also inspect the water pump base for melting. If you see it replace it.