Mercruiser lower unit seals

[djvan]

I've got an alpha one outdrive that is taking on some water. (water in gear oil) I will try new gaskets on the drain/vent plugs. I was wondering if somebody can tell me if I can replace the back to back seals behind the propeller without getting into the lower unit any deeper than that. <br /><br />Thanks in advance<br /><br />DougV>

 

[Trent]

Re: Mercruiser lower unit seals

Id do the shift shaft seals. Course replaceing all the seals would be better. You can get them from your local NAPA store. web page

 

[djvan]

Re: Mercruiser lower unit seals

Thanks I did the shift shaft seals last year.<br /><br />DougV>

 

[Trent]

Re: Mercruiser lower unit seals

Did you do the seals under the water pump?

 

[djvan]

Re: Mercruiser lower unit seals

Here's the deal. I removed the lower unit last year about this time to get my skeg welded (it was cracked). The guy I bought the boat from told me he had just put a new gimbal bearing, u joints, bellows, and an impeller kit. When I got the welding done I checked the impeller, it seemed good (not hard or brittle). So I guess I believe that the other work was also performed. Last year about mid season I noticed water in the lower case, I drained the water off and changed the oil a few times. I am wondering if the heat from welding could have damaged the back to back seals or an o ring in that area? It didn't seem to take on water until about mid season though. When I had the unit off I changed the shift shaft seal because it looked bad (shaft was in good shape though).<br /><br />DougV>

 

[2770]

Re: Mercruiser lower unit seals

To answer your original question the answer is yes,you can replace the prop seals without getting inside.The welding also could have heated your seals up too much.Hopefully the welder was familiar with outdrives.Your average welding shop probably would not be aware of the potential of seal damage. CC

 

[djvan]

Re: Mercruiser lower unit seals

Thanks alot. The guy that welded it has welded others, including his own. So I think maybe he tried to keep it cool somehow. Thanks again for the info, This message board is great.<br /><br />DougV>