Re: Re-sealing two '57 Merc gear cases, easy or a bummer?
You'll need some kind of pin spanner wrench or the Merc special tool to get the cover off the propshaft seal carrier.<br /><br />Once the propshaft, reverse gear and shift dog assy are removed, loosen and remove the driveshaft pinion nut/bolt. You'll need a spanner or special Merc tool to remove the water pump cover.<br /><br />There is another special tool to remove the water pump cartridge, but since you have the pinion gear loose, the entire driveshaft assy will pull out and take the cartridge out with it. Easiest way to get that out if you don't have the tool. Clamp the driveshaft securely in a vise, and rap sharply on the gearcase housing. Be sure to put a 2X4 or 4X4 on the flats of the housing to protect it from the hammer blows, or use a plastic No-Bounce hammer.<br /><br />You may need to heat the gearcase to make it easier to persuade the various pieces loose. If you have a fresh water motor, should be a piece of cake.<br /><br />Trying to take old Merc lower units apart out here in the PNW is an absolute nightmare!!<br /><br />Be sure to check your driveshaft's sealing areas, if they're degraded you can have a machine shop weld repair/turn down/straighten the shaft. Or, press on a Speedi-Sleeve or Redi-Sleeve stainless repair sleeve which will restore the damaged area so it'll seal properly. Available at most auto parts stores. Just measure your shaft diameter with a vernier caliper or micrometer and match it up to the correct size of sleeve.<br /><br />HTH...........ed
