Re: installing lower unit seals
AHA! I TOLD you to note the position of the old seals before you removed them. But you didn't listen to me, did you? No! Don't listen to Frank and now you come crying. Now, Suffer! LOL
The original seal had a steel case and a rubber side. Clymers says to install the drive shaft seal with rubber side up. On a different size case, they say spring side up, so that is what they meant.
On the prop shaft, they say to install the seal with the spring facing the rear of the bearing carrier. They mean facing outward toward the propeller.
Top seal in the water pump housing should have the spring facing inward to retain pump pressure. --Even though the impeller may have ridges in it to seal water.
The shift rod seal has a steel side and a rubber side. rubber side goes down into the case and you press the steel cup to squeeze the seal around the shift rod. The shift rod should move with a little drag but should not be too tight. Just snug enough to assure a good water tight seal.
Common sense indicates that the seals are meant to keep water out more-so than to keep oil in. Logic: a little leaking oil will do less harm than having water inside the gearcase. These are two lip seals. Since the spring loaded lip has more pressure than the non spring loaded lip, It would always face the water. Clear?
By the way, lubricate the lips with lower unit oil before installing the shafts in them.
