Prop shaft seal replacement can I do it? (225, 1998)

[FAV453]

Here is the story: ran all year no problems. The boat gets hauled this week and I go down a few days later and there is clearly LU oil coming from around the prop (not unburnt fuel etc been there before). So I drain it and sure enough an ounce or so of water comes out and then milky green oil. I pull the prop and oil is evident at the seal the shaft seal looks weird like the seal's cover is gone and the internals are showing. I don't know if this is what is going on but compared to the other motor clearly something isn't right. Anyway is there anyway to replace this seal without removing the lower unit and if so can I do it myself? This spring a shop replaced all the seals and water pump so I think it must have been line around the shaft or something compared to regular wear.

 

[FAV453]

Re: Prop shaft seal replacement can I do it? (225, 1998)

BTT (I was going to pull it tomorrow and take it to a shop, so please chime in)

 

[mikesea]

Re: Prop shaft seal replacement can I do it? (225, 1998)

you can do it ,the hard part is getting the old seals out because there are 2 back to back,one keeps oil in the other keeps water our,its the same seal but one goes one way the other opposite,you dont want to damage the aluminum carrier,sears sells a puller it has kinda 2 hooks,it looks like a 'T' different angels,some people are lucky enough with screwdrivers,punches,picks etc,the the stainless outer presses into the carrieryou can use a piece of pipe that slides over the shaft ,yet is small enough to push the seals in place,its always easier to pull the carrier out,there are 4 screws way down inside 3/8 head,you would need a puller to then pull the propshaft bearing carrier out,if your mechanical and have some tools you can do it

 

[FAV453]

Re: Prop shaft seal replacement can I do it? (225, 1998)

Thanks for the reply. So I won't need to pull the lower unit off? What are the steps involved: Remove 4 bolts, pull the carrier out over the prop shaft, get the tool, remove the seals, install the new seals?

 

[LongLine]

Re: Prop shaft seal replacement can I do it? (225, 1998)

Don?t know if it?ll work on yours but what a mechanic told me for my smaller engines was to go get two small (real small) sheet metal screws. Carefully drill two appropriate sized holes in old seal on opposite sides of shaft. Install screws. Bend a small piece of metal & file a vee groove in it, like a miniature crow bar. Use your newly made tool to alternately pry/pull up under the screw heads.

Worked like a charm on my 75 hp Evinrude & 10 horse Mercury. Took about 20 minutes; saved 2 weeks and the $100 he said his shop would charge for each.

To install, lightly lube the seals & use a small wooden dowel. Gently & evenly tap new seals into position.

Tom B.
(LongLine)

 

[jonesg]

Re: Prop shaft seal replacement can I do it? (225, 1998)

A factory manual and some tools will pay for themselves with the first repair. Short of boring a block, theres not much you can't do.
If it wasn't possible to work on these engines I doubt this forum would need to exist.

 

[mikesea]

Re: Prop shaft seal replacement can I do it? (225, 1998)

longline has a great idea,if you have a mechanical mind ,you can figure many ways to do it, I know guys that use dent pullers,remember there are 2 seals,they go in opposite eachother,note how they look before removing,the outer one has the grooved side showing out,the other in,dont gouge the carrier,the carrier can be left in place if you make or get a tool to pull the seals outI use gasket sealer on outer edge before installing,be sure you tap in place evenly

 

[FAV453]

Re: Prop shaft seal replacement can I do it? (225, 1998)

Thanks again. I got the carrier out with a puller from autozone ($14) and got the seal out with a screwdriver (carefully) prying it. Yes I said 1 seal and that is where the trouble started. Actaully before I started I went to my local OMC mechanic for the parts and advice and he gave me 2 seal and 1 oring. I have a manual and read it before I went and I asked don't I need 2 orings and 1 seal? He looked in his computer and said no. So off I went. Well once I got the carrier out there were indeed 2 orings and 1 seal on my boat. I took pictures and will post up in another thread before I continue.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Prop shaft seal replacement can I do it? (225, 1998)

Better to keep everything in 1 thread for continuity.