Driveshaft seal

[packman35]

While attempting to remove stuck water pump bolts, I used a blowtorch to apply heat to the bolts. It didn't work and I ended up drilling them out and using helicoils.

I installed a new water pump and while doing so noticed that the driveshaft seemed a little "wobbly". I had laid the LU on its side in my truck bringing it home and noticed some gear oil had leaked out. This was with the water pump off so there was no support of the driveshaft.

My question is this. Could the unsupported transport while on its side and/or the heat from the torch done any damaged to the driveshaft seals? I am worried that I am going to get water into the gearcase now and ruin it.

I know I can pressure test the gearcase but I don't have the equipment to do it. Is there any other way to test it? Am I being paranoid? How much wiggle should the driveshaft have without the water pump in place? Is a little oil leaking by OK?

Sorry for all the questions. I just don't want to create a new problem that I could solve by changing seals if necessary.

Thanks!!

 

[F_R]

Re: Driveshaft seal

While attempting to remove stuck water pump bolts, I used a blowtorch to apply heat to the bolts. It didn't work and I ended up drilling them out and using helicoils.

I installed a new water pump and while doing so noticed that the driveshaft seemed a little "wobbly". I had laid the LU on its side in my truck bringing it home and noticed some gear oil had leaked out. This was with the water pump off so there was no support of the driveshaft.

My question is this. Could the unsupported transport while on its side and/or the heat from the torch done any damaged to the driveshaft seals? I am worried that I am going to get water into the gearcase now and ruin it.

I know I can pressure test the gearcase but I don't have the equipment to do it. Is there any other way to test it? Am I being paranoid? How much wiggle should the driveshaft have without the water pump in place? Is a little oil leaking by OK?

Sorry for all the questions. I just don't want to create a new problem that I could solve by changing seals if necessary.

Thanks!!

It shouldn't be leaking. Replace the seals. The pump doesn't support the shaft, the bearings do. The top end of the shaft inserted into the crankshaft splines limits the wiggle too. How's your gear oil, clean and no metallic particles? Hope it is.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: Driveshaft seal

Some lower units use a tapered roller bearing for the upper shaft support. This allows a sloppy shaft when unit is not installed with the powerhead. It is possible that oil can leak if the assmy. is bounced around out of the engine.

No one can tell you if you did any damage with the torch without seeing the unit. Therefore as F_R suggests, take this as a good opportunety to change out the seals