Remove Water Pump Base Assembly

[GPSDuckHunter]

I have a 2002 Mercury 40 hp 3 cyl. I have had a steady leak in the lower unit that I can't see to locate. As a result I have decided to replace all the seals in the lower unit.

Is there a way to remove the water pump base assembly so I can replace the seals without removing the driveshaft completely? Should I leave the outer shell in place and just try to remove the seals? Or should I try to remove the whole thing, swap the seals, then slide back over the driveshaft?

Does this assembly screw into the lower unit or is it held in place with just the o-ring?

Thanks for the help.

 

[saumon]

Re: Remove Water Pump Base Assembly

Only held by the o-ring. Lift it to replace the seals (BTW, the name of this piece is seals carrier).

 

[GPSDuckHunter]

Re: Remove Water Pump Base Assembly

How do you lift just the seals carrier? I tried using pliers and it was just scratching the thing up. Any techniques out there that people have developed?

 

[saumon]

Re: Remove Water Pump Base Assembly

Have you tried pulling on the driveshaft? There's a ball bearing pressed onto the driveshaft under the seals carrier. That should lift it up...

 

[GPSDuckHunter]

Re: Remove Water Pump Base Assembly

Well I was trying to avoid removing the pinion gear and nut. That is why I started this question. Is it possible to remove the seals carrier and replace the seals without having to remove driveshaft? I don't have the special tool to hold the draftshaft splines for removeal and assembly.

There is no slack in the driveshaft.

 

[carholme]

Re: Remove Water Pump Base Assembly

GPS;

There will be no play in the driveshaft until the pinion nut is removed. The 91-825196 tool is just under $40, unless you make one of your own. On my 2000 40hp, I just use a 12 point 15mm socket or wrench to hold the d/s which is the same d/s as yours.
I have see a shop pry the base assy out using two fine screwdrivers but the resultant scratching never impressed me so I prefer to remove the d/s. It is only the O ring holding the assy in there. You only have to break the holding force of the O ring to get it to come out.

Gerry

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Remove Water Pump Base Assembly

Forget the fine screwdrivers, you will need two big flat-bladed screwdrivers or pry bars. Place them under the bottom edge of the lower pump housing at diagonal corners then just pry up. There is a big o-ring holding the thing in place and it does not come out willingly.

With care, you will not damage the pump housing.

 

[kuks24]

Re: Remove Water Pump Base Assembly

I just took that out, and I had to pry it out and it took a little force but it does come out.

 

[GPSDuckHunter]

Re: Remove Water Pump Base Assembly

Thanks for the help guys. I spent 10 minutes earlier tonight but still no luck. I'll try again tomorrow.